SMS received:

This is a message on behalf of all Australian policing agencies. The Social Research Centre will call you in the coming days to see if you can take part in an important study on safety and crime in your area. Reply '1' if you are 18+,'2' if you are under 18 or '3' to opt out.

Caller: Monash University

Text message - same as David May 18.

Caller: Possible scammer

SMS received:

Monash University invites you to take part in an important research study about COVID-19, work and health. The Social Research Centre will call you soon to see if you would like to take part. Reply '1' if you are 18+, '2' if you are under 18 or '3' to opt out

Doesn't add up that the phone number claims to represent the "Australian policing agencies" and "Monash University" all in a matter of days with the same message.
Don't reply to them otherwise it will confirm that your number is active and will call you or spam regardless of you replying with "3".

Thanks David and Fred

Caller: Monash University

Inviting me to participate in an important research study about COVID-19
They want me to text back with either a 1, 2 or 3 Not sure if it is bogus or fair dinkum - not taking a chance