Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, has led a Cyber Security Roundtable, focused on the whole-of-nation effort required to protect Australians and our economy, with the aim of making Australia the most cyber-secure nation by 2030.
Attending the roundtable were leaders from the public service and intelligence agencies, and independent experts from business, industry and civil society.
Ideas discussed included incentivising best practice cyber behaviours, growing Australia’s cyber security sector and raising national cyber awareness, to shape a new strategy.
The federal government also announced it will establish a Coordinator for Cyber Security, supported by a National Office for Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure what the government says is a centrally coordinated approach to deliver the government’s cyber security responsibilities.
Input from the roundtable will go towards informing the development of the Government’s 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. That Strategy will be led by the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, the first Cabinet Minister to hold the portfolio of Cyber Security.
The Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisory Board, appointed by Minister O’Neil, has released a public discussion paper seeking feedback on the development of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
“Strengthening Australia’s cyber security is a fundamental priority for our government because we recognise it is essential to the way every Australian lives and works and trades and learns and communicates.” said Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP.
“This is a fast-moving, rapidly-evolving threat and for too many years, Australia has been off the pace. Our government is determined to change that. “
“I want to thank those who participated in the Roundtable for their innovative ideas, considered feedback and constructive approach to addressing the cyber security challenges facing our nation.”
“For businesses these days, cyber security is as important and essential as the shop having a lock on the door. We need all Australian businesses to be able to protect themselves and – just as importantly – protect their customers.” added the Prime Minister.
“Getting our cyber security settings right will take time, and Australians should be prepared for more cyber incidents in the coming years. However, it is clear that Australians expect more from businesses holding their sensitive data, and Government has a central role to play to ensure everyone is pulling their weight.” said the Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP.
“As a nation, we cannot sleepwalk into our cyber future. I want Australia to be the world’s most cyber secure country by 2030. I believe that is possible, but it will take a concerted effort from industry and Government alike.”
“Industry needs to put cyber security at the heart of its business decisions and practices, and Government needs to walk the talk and work with industry as genuine partners to build a nationally consistent approach.”
“Today’s roundtable demonstrated the potential for a truly national approach. I want to thank those who attended the roundtable for their willingness to contribute to Australia’s cyber security, and for their constructive feedback on the direction of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.” concluded the Minister for Cyber Security.
The discussion paper can be found here.
