Foreign interference

For students and staff

Foreign interference happens when activities are carried out by – or on behalf of – a foreign actor (like a government or its proxy). These activities are coercive, clandestine, deceptive or corrupting and contrary to Australia’s sovereignty, values and national interests (definition contained in the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector, p.5).

Foreign interference can manifest in a variety of ways at University, including:

  • unauthorised foreign access to University IT systems or original research findings
  • inappropriate attempts to influence course content, classroom discussion, research directions, responses to assessment tasks, or events and activities on campus
  • monitoring of students or staff
  • harassment, coercion, intimidation or threatening behaviour directed at staff or students (either online or in person)
  • cyber-hacking
  • theft of intellectual property
  • unauthorised access, release or distribution of personal information (doxxing)
  • reporting – or threatening to report on – fellow staff or students to foreign government bodies
  • suppression or restriction of individuals from engaging in critical and free enquiry protected under the Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom Policy (or attempts to do so)
  • stalking or unwanted physical or electronic surveillance
  • disinformation campaigns through social media against individuals or groups
  • any of the above done by student associations, clubs or societies.

It can be difficult to tell if an activity involves foreign interference because many of these behaviours happen in an everyday context. But when the activity is carried out by – or on behalf of – a foreign actor, it could be foreign interference.

What to do

If someone is at immediate risk of harm:

  • On campus: call Monash Security on 03 9905 3333 (or 333 from a Monash phone).
  • On or off campus: call 000.

If you experience, see or hear about any harassment, we encourage you to report it to the Safer Community Unit.

Getting support

If you’re seeking advice, or have questions or concerns about what your rights and obligations are, email fiadvice@monash.edu and we will put you in touch with the appropriate team.

If you’re concerned that another member of the University community might be acting under foreign interference, or you’re being harassed or pressured, you can discuss your concerns with the Safer Community Unit or email fireporting@monash.edu.

The Safer Community Unit can give you confidential advice on how to deal with technology-facilitated abuse, including safety measures, support services and formal reporting options.

Contact the Safer Community Unit:

  • Phone: +61 3 9905 1599
  • Email: safercommunity@monash.edu
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am – 5pm

    • For more information, see getting help and support.

    Submitting a report

    If you’ve experienced, seen or heard any of the behaviours above, let us know by submitting a report (you can do so anonymously).

    Report an incident or concern

    You can report suspected instances of foreign interference anonymously through the National Security Hotline and the ASIO Notable Incidents, Threats or Reportable Observations (NITRO) Portal. These channels allow students and staff to report anything that concerns national security directly to ASIO.

    You can also report a cyber security or data privacy incident using our cyber security forms.

    More help and advice

    For more help, take a look at the following resources: