Sydney University’s deal with pro-Palestine activists raises ‘very real’ security risk

National security experts and the Opposition have lashed the University of Sydney’s leadership after the uni made a deal with fringe protesters, despite concerns some members have links to extremism.

National security experts and the federal Opposition have lashed University of Sydney leadership for 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’s website from next month.

The University of Sydney 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 seat at the table in nominating the review group’s members.

It comes despite concerns the SUMSA protest encampment had been infiltrated by members of Hizb ut-Tahrir – an extreme Islamist group designated as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

Shadow 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”.

Senator James Paterson said the deal casts doubt on the university’s reliability. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“The Vice-Chancellor should immediately abandon this foolish plan,” Senator Paterson said.

Security experts also warned the deal with protesters will spook not only the Australian defence industry but overseas partners.

Pro-Palestine protesters from the Sydney University Muslim Students’ Association and their allies held a press conference at their ‘encampment’ on Friday. Picture: Thomas Lisson.

Strategic Analysis Australia director and former deputy secretary for defence strategy Peter Jennings said Vice Chancellor Mark Scott has put at risk millions of dollars in defence-related research to “be woke”, souring the university’s credibility and setting up “threshold moment” for other Australian unis.

Peter Jennings, director of Strategic Analysis Australia. Picture: Supplied

“This is yet another example of poor quality university leadership in Australia,” Mr Jennings said.

“The university has given in to on-campus pressure from a fringe element of the student group, without really spending time thinking about what kind of impact it has on their credibility with industry, with government and with foreign partners.

“They’ll lose their best teaching staff in those fields, and we won’t be graduating students with qualifications in those areas – but we’ll be graduating a whole lot of people with a Masters in grievance studies.”

Former Department of Defence secretary Dennis Richardson said the Sydney University management are failing to show real leadership by allowing “a body that has displayed extreme prejudice” to call the shots.

“I’m puzzled as to why the university administration considers it appropriate to negotiate with the protesters, full stop,” Mr Richardson said.

“You’re effectively sharing your decision making – it goes to the issue of who’s in charge.”

Who’s in charge? Former Defence secretary Dennis Richardson said the Sydney Uni saga highlights a lack of leadership. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

A spokeswoman for the University of Sydney confirmed the agreement does not include a review or reconsideration of research partnerships, only disclosure, and that neither police nor intelligence agencies had raised concerns about “external influences”.

“We are not cutting ties with Israel, Israeli universities or Israeli companies,” she said.

“Suggestions that the working group members will have access to sensitive information are incorrect.

“The focus will very much be on human rights and participants will be carefully chosen to represent the University’s student, staff and alumni communities, as well as University leadership and independent members.”

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil have been contacted for comment.