Higher Education Support Amendment (End Dirty University Partnerships) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senator Shoebridge strongly supported the bill, criticising the government's silence and the coalition's focus on definitional technicalities. Shoebridge argued that public money should not fund research that harms society, citing investments by ANU and the University of Sydney in weapons manufacturers like Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin. Shoebridge highlighted the moral conflict of universities profiting from conflicts in Gaza and noted the revolving door between politicians and the defence industry. Shoebridge commended student and staff activism demanding divestment from these harmful sectors.

Senator Blyth opposed the bill, arguing it was unworkable and would ban essential research and development in fields like medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Blyth claimed the broad definitions would prohibit partnerships with any entity that could be indirectly linked to weapons or fossil fuels, including logistics companies and retailers. Blyth stated that the bill undermined freedom of choice and would negatively impact jobs and innovation, particularly in states with significant defence capabilities. Blyth characterised the legislation as an attempt by the Greens to mandate their agenda rather than support sensible higher education reform.

Senator Waters supported the bill, citing widespread student and staff opposition to university partnerships with dirty industries. Waters highlighted reports that many public universities accept funding from fossil fuel companies, which can influence research agendas and silence criticism. Waters argued that the bill would protect academic integrity and restore public trust by ensuring universities are fully funded by the government rather than reliant on corporate sponsorship. Waters called for universities to be free and publicly funded, independent of the influence of weapons, fossil fuel, and gambling corporations.

Senator McKim argued that universities accepting money from fossil fuel and weapons corporations are complicit in climate breakdown and genocide. McKim stated that institutions have a moral obligation to act in the public interest and have abandoned their core mission by engaging with these industries. McKim attributed the reliance on corporate funding to decades of underfunding by the political duopoly but insisted this was no excuse for enabling harm. McKim emphasised that universities must divest to align with their role as cornerstone institutions for the public good.