Applications for round two of the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund has opened today, providing more than $60 million in grant funding for those who want to help improve the nation’s cyber security capability.
Under Round Two, the Australian Government has provided grants of between $250,000 and $3 million for innovative projects that will boost and improve the diversity of Australia’s cyber security workforce.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund was essential to keeping Australians and their businesses safe online.
“Our digital economy relies on the skills of cyber security professionals to protect businesses and consumers online,” Minister Price said.
With the nation’s cyber security workforce expected to grow significantly in the next few years, the Fund will help accelerate the growth by building job-ready professionals through industry traineeships and work experience programs.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said that Round Two would add upon the important work of the Australian Government’s $1.67 billion Cyber Security Strategy.
“The Australian Government is taking strong action to keep Australians safe online – we’ve issued Australia’s first Ransomware Action Plan, passed important legislation to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attack, launched an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce to combat ransomware, and given police and law enforcement agencies important new powers to tackle crime on the dark web,” she said.
“Government action is only half the story though, which is why the partnership innovation fund is so important. We need to ensure private enterprise has the skills, training, and expertise to deal with the full range of cyber threats Australians will face in years to come.”
The Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund is part of the $81 million Cyber Security National Workforce Growth Program, which is a key element of Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy.
Under the Fund, eligible activities include developing and delivering specialist cyber security courses for professionals, retraining programs, professional development, apprenticeships, establishing new internships, cadetships, work experience and staff exchanges, and establishing cyber labs and training facilities.
Applicants must submit a joint application, with one lead organisation as the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply, and at least one other project partner.
Source: Minister for Science and Technology Media Release