A missed opportunity: amending the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth) and research security

We are pleased to share an insightful JoSTC article diving into the concept of research security and its intersection with export control, particularly in Australia.

Since the signing of the AUKUS Agreement in 2021, Australia has embarked on an ambitious agenda to align its export control laws with those of the US, aiming to facilitate seamless license-free exports of military and dual-use technologies critical to the Agreement. However, this article reveals a significant oversight: the missed opportunity to integrate reforms that address the safe and secure conduct of cutting-edge research in Australian higher education institutions. Drawing on the concept of “research security” this paper critiques the current Australian export control framework. It highlights areas where reforms fall short in protecting institutions from malign foreign actors and offers actionable recommendations for enhancing research security.