The parliament’s committee on foreign interference in universities holds a second public hearing tomorrow. Its friends are planning ahead

Yesterday in the Reps Melissa McIntosh (Lib-NSW) gave notice of a motion, which calls on the House to note, “the government is committed to safeguarding Australians from foreign interference in our universities” and to recognise, “there are examples of intimidation, threats and coercion towards researchers and their families.” There is more along the same lines.

There is no word when Ms McIntosh’s motion will be debated but a bad time for universities would be when the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security tables its report, especially if it concludes some university links with foreign powers have not been in the national interest.

This would be immensely damaging to some universities. This committee is highly regarded for working in the national interest – its findings will carry great weight.