Newly proposed powers for the Defence Department will threaten investment in Australian research, harm academic independence and undermine the government’s innovation agenda, the peak-body representing Australian universities has warned.
The new regulations would allow the Department of Defence to stop the supply of any technology to an international research partner, whether defence related or not.
It would also allow for sweeping compliance and enforcement powers, according to Universities Australia.
“Universities Australia is concerned the Department of Defence’s proposals don’t strike an appropriate balance between security interests and a thriving research and development capability,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson told SBS News.
The proposal for new powers for the Department came in a submission to the review of the Defence Trade Controls Act.
The Department also put forward a submission on how "the national security environment has changed" - this document was classified and not made public.
Universities Australia responded with a submission slamming the government’s proposal.
They also raised concerns about proposed warrantless search and seizure powers to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
“It is not possible to remain at the cutting edge of innovation without strong international partnerships,” Universities Australia wrote.
The Department of Defence did not respond to SBS News’ written questions.
The move comes amid a broad government crackdown on foreign interference with new counter-espionage laws banning foreign political donations among the many measures approved by parliament last month.
