There are Confucius Institutes at 13 Australian universities.Credit:Bryan O'Brien
The centres are joint ventures between the host universities and Hanban,a Chinese government entity that provides funding,staff and other support. While the arrangements vary between institutions,critics are worried about China's control over curriculum decisions,censorship of sensitive issues and broader influence at the universities,warning the facilities pose a threat to academic freedom.
The 13 institutes were among hundreds of organisations to be directly contacted by the government over the new laws. Asked about Confucius Institutes specifically on Tuesday,Attorney-General Christian Porter said registration was initially something for entities to consider themselves.
"If an entity or individual hasn’t registered and there’s a reasonable belief that their activities require registration,there’s a range of actions through the secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department which can be taken,up to and including issuing a transparency notice and potential penalties for failing to register,"Mr Porter said in a statement.
The scheme is intended to capture the lawful activities of entities that seek to exert influence in Australia on behalf of foreign powers.
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A government source said Confucius Institutes were among the logical first targets of the scheme and would likely be pursued if they did not register voluntarily. As a first step,the secretary of the department could request further information from the organisations. If it is ultimately deemed that they should register,they can be issued with a compulsory transparency notice. They face severe penalties for failing to comply with the new laws.
Hanban also funds Confucius Classrooms in schools. Citing concerns about potential for"inappropriate influences from foreign powers",the New South Wales Department of Education is reviewing its relationship with Hanban that has seen more than a dozen schools receive funding to run its courses.