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Authoritarian governments can include those in which a single leader or political party remains in power for a long time, with limited or no real political competition. While elections might occur, they are typically neither free nor fair, and power is often maintained by the threat of force, repressive laws and the dominance of state narratives (propaganda). For these governments, regime survival is often their highest priority, and they are extremely sensitive to any challenge to their authority – especially from their own citizens. These governments may go to great lengths to silence dissent and restrict political free speech of their citizens, both at home and abroad.
When citizens from these tightly controlled environments travel to Australia —as students, researchers, or tourists—they encounter a society that values freedom of speech, political pluralism, and open debate. In Australia, universities actively promote critical thinking and the free exchange of ideas, including criticism of government policy and leadership. This openness can be unsettling to authoritarian regimes, which may fear their citizens might return home with a newfound willingness to question authority—and influence others to do the same.
Some governments respond by trying to monitor, pressure and intimidate their citizens while they’re overseas. In Australia, this kind of behaviour is considered foreign interference, and it could be a federal offence.
Your Rights & Responsibilities
For students from countries where freedom of expression is limited, Australian free speech may feel liberating and exciting – and at times confusing and upsetting. Political and national identity are often closely linked, and for some, hearing criticisms of certain political leaders might be perceived as a personal or national insult. For others, it may be their first opportunity to openly comment on the affairs of their home country.
Having complex and diverse feelings is normal. Regardless of one’s opinions or stance, engaging in debate is encouraged – so long as it remains a contest of ideas and does not devolve into threats, intimidation, harassment, or the promotion of violence.
When threats, intimidation, harassment, or promotion of violence are secretly directed or encouraged by government officials or proxies, it may constitute as a federal criminal offence under the National Security Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018.
What can foreign interference look like?
Doxing: Improper sharing or identification of personal details, including threats of reporting individuals to foreign authorities.
Demands and Inducements: Forcing changes to, or cancellation of, academic content and events, or demanding excessive information access.
Monitoring: Observing academic staff, students, or visitors, concerning sensitive topics, both in person and online.
Harassment: Engaging in hostile, intimidating, or negative behaviours, online or in person.
Intrusion: Disrupting campus life to stifle criticism and limit free speech or assembly.
Unusual Attendance: Unexpected presence at events or lectures on sensitive topics.
Remember, no one has the right to use hate speech, make or suggest threats, attempt to censor, or silence others, create fear through intimidation and demand or coerce changes to academic subject matter.
How can Curtin help?
Curtin University, like all Australian universities, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. This means protecting the university community from interference by foreign governments and their agents.
If you are harassed, threatened, coerced, pressured, or doxed, we are here to help.
Please visit curtin.edu/foreign_interference for more information on foreign interference and how to report an incident.
Remember you can always:
- Tell a teacher
- Report to Safer Communities
- Contact Curtin International Risk and Academic Security (IRAS) (foreign.risk@curtin.edu.au)
- Speak to Student Services
- Speak to Student Guild
- Report a crime to police
