Australian Research Council’s Internal Audit finds it is doing ok on security risks but can do more – it will

In March ’22 the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s report on foreign interference at universities recommended an audit of sampled ARC research grants “to determine exposure” to “talent recruitment programmes” of foreign powers (CMM March 28 2022).

Which the ARC duly did, with its Internal Audit finding that since 2018, “the ARC has continued to develop and strengthen its policies and procedures to identify, assess and manage material risks” across the research grants process.

“Internal Audit found no issues based on review of three matters relating to foreign interference that have been addressed by the ARC since 2019,” the ARC’s report, released yesterday, states.

However there are ways the ARC could make things more secure, which the agency accepts, including

* check that research grant administering organisation are managing identified risks “appropriately”

* develop a strategy (or framework) for the ARC on managing risk and consider publicising it, “to support transparency and aid stakeholders’ understanding of the ARC’s role”

* annual spot checks/reviews for accuracy of a sample of grant contracts

To all of which the Group of Eight responds that the ARC agreeing to a framework for countering foreign interference, is “the previously missing piece in countering foreign interference in the university research system.” Chief Executive Vicki Thomson says the Eight will work with the ARC on development.