June 24, 2024
Security experts and the federal Opposition have lashed the University of Sydney putting critical strategic defence research at risk, by "capitulating" to a fringe protest group with links to extremism.
A deal between the university and its Muslim students' association will see defence and security-related research "activities" with some exceptions disclosed publicly on the university website.
The university will also establish a "working group" to review its policy on financial investments in the defence sector, with the Sydney University Muslim Students' Association given a role in nominating group members.
It comes despite concerns the SUMSA protest camp had been infiltrated by members of Hizb ut-Tahrir - an extreme Islamist group designated a terrorist organisation by the UK.
Opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson said the deal was a "pathetic capitulation", "grossly irresponsible" and "raises very real questions about whether the university can be relied on . to conduct sensitive national security and defence research funded by taxpayers".
Security experts also warned the deal will spook not only the Australian defence industry but overseas partners.
Strategic Analysis Australia director Peter Jennings said Vice Chancellor Mark Scott has put at risk millions of dollars in defence-related research to "be woke".
A university spokeswoman said the agreement does not include a review of research partnerships, only disclosure, and that neither police nor intelligence agencies had raised concerns about "external influences".
