Audit finds ARC foreign interference and national security risk processes robust and promote best practice

 

17 May 2023

Audit finds ARC foreign interference and national security risk processes
robust and promote best practice

 

Today, the Australian Research Council (ARC) has published the outcomes of an internal audit report on Foreign Interference and Security Risk which reviews the ARC’s performance in assessing foreign interference and national security risks since the launch of the Guidelines to counter foreign interference in the Australian university sector (Guidelines) in 2019.

The report was referenced in the Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

The audit report has found the ARC has worked closely with the Departments of Education and Home Affairs and has taken proactive steps to manage risk regarding foreign interference and national security in relation to each phase of the National Competitive Grants Program. This includes establishing specific and appropriate criteria for conducting checks; improved documentation and record-keeping; establishing a due diligence committee; and providing administering organisations with the opportunity to respond to risks identified during the due diligence process on applications.

The audit report has also made some practical suggestions on opportunities for improvement relating to procedures and policies, which the ARC is actioning in consultation with stakeholders.

The Executive Summary and recommendations of the audit report can be found on the ARC website here.

Media contact: 

ARC Communications 0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au