• Section 1 -  Introduction
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Audience
• Section 4 - Scope
• Section 5 - Document Specific Definitions
• Section 6 - General Principles
• Section 7 - Related Documents

Section 1 -  Introduction

(1) The University of Newcastle (University) is committed to fostering global collaborations with institutions and individuals worldwide, creating opportunities through research, teaching, professional development, industry partnerships, and cross-cultural experiences.

(2) It is acknowledged that the higher education sector must be vigilant against the growing threat of foreign interference and other matters related to national security.

(3) The University is committed to ensuring our collaborations, research and education activities are mindful of the Australian national interest.

Section 2 - Purpose

(4) This Policy establishes the University's principles for strengthening our protections against national security risks.

Section 3 - Audience

(5) This Policy should be read and understood by the University community, including but not limited to staff, students, third parties, and controlled entities.

Section 4 - Scope

(6) This policy applies to:

1. all activities, operations, governance, and administration of the University;
2. all campuses and locations of the University; and
3. all times whilst engaged in University activity or otherwise representing the University.

Section 5 - Document Specific Definitions

(7) In the context of this document the following definitions apply:

1. accountable authority is a senior executive or executive body responsible and accountable for the security of people, information and assets to counter foreign interference;
2. national interest means matters that seek to pursue the prosperity of Australia, the security, safety and freedom of our people, and the independence of our decision-making.

Section 6 - General Principles

(8) To protect the University and the Australian national interest, the University will:

1. maintain its ongoing commitment to academic freedom and integrity;
2. require mandatory disclosures in accordance with the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018, the Conflict of Interest Policy and its associated procedure, and the Transparency and Disclosure Policy;
3. comply with other legislation and schemes related to national security, foreign influence and foreign interference, including:
   1. Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020; 
   2. Defence Trade Controls Act 2012; and
   3. Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011;
4. adhere to the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector and the overarching principles:
   1. security must safeguard academic freedom, values and research collaboration;
   2. research, collaboration and education activities must be mindful of the national interest;
   3. security is a collective responsibility with individual accountability;
   4. security should be proportionate to organisational risk; and
   5. the safety of our university community is paramount.
5. maintain information related to foreign arrangements and affiliations, and any reports of foreign interference activity;
6. incorporate assessment and management of foreign interference and national security risks across the University's operations and planning, including policy development and review;
7. escalate foreign interference risks to the University's accountable authority (the Foreign Interference Committee) and the Risk Committee as required;
8. continue to uplift our capacity and resilience through:
   1. ongoing training and education for our staff, students, and the University community;
   2. ongoing activities of the National Security Compliance Manager in implementing and managing the University's National Security Strategic Framework, and as the key advisory role for the University and principal liaison with Government, external agencies and other universities on foreign interference matters; and
9. maintain ongoing engagement with national security agencies and government authorities to receive advice in relation to sector updates and risks, and seek advice on how these risks may be mitigated.

(9) The accountability for reporting the University's compliance with the relevant legislation lies with both the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Section 7 - Related Documents

(10) This Policy should be read in conjunction with these documents:

1. Student Code of Conduct;
2. Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom;
3. Global Partnerships Framework;
4. National Security Strategic Framework.