UA urges academic involvement in defence

Submission to government review suggests armed forces should work more closely with universities

Universities Australia has made a pitch for higher education institutions to be put at the centre of a planned revamp of Australia’s defence strategy.

In a submission to a top-level review of the nation’s defence capabilities, the body, which represents higher education institutions, said that Australia’s universities are well positioned to work with the military and defence research laboratories. Together, they could address “challenges”, such as skills shortages, economic problems and increasing equipment costs, UA said.