Australia and the United Kingdom strengthen their cooperation in essential technologies through the Australia-UK Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership. This collaboration, established in 2022, tackles common challenges in cybersecurity and critical technologies. It focuses on areas like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and online safety, emphasising the need to protect public sector operations from emerging threats.
On 5 and 6 September 2024, key officials discussed the partnership. Anthony Murfett, Head of Division for Technology and Digital at the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources in Australia; Brendan Dowling, Ambassador for Critical Technology and Cyber Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia; Will Middleton, Cyber Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in the United Kingdom; and Nicole Gregory, Head of the International Tech Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in the United Kingdom, participated notably. These discussions aimed to enhance the bilateral relationship by refining strategies that focus on technological collaboration and cyber resilience.
The partnership focuses on artificial intelligence, which will transform the public sector by enhancing decision-making and boosting operational efficiencies. The partnership aims to establish robust frameworks for AI governance to tackle related risks, as outlined by the Australian Department of Industry, Science, and Resources: “Our joint efforts in AI governance and standards will play a crucial role in ensuring safe and secure deployment of AI technologies in the public sector.”
Quantum computing presents a significant domain that offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity. The collaboration aims to leverage quantum technologies to enhance the security of communications and data, protecting critical government information from cyber threats. Will Middleton, Cyber Director at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, remarked, “Quantum technology offers a transformative capability for secure communications, but it also poses new risks that we must address collaboratively.”
The partnership prioritises online safety, addressing the growing need to protect individuals and public sector organisations from cyber threats. The discussions stressed the urgent need to establish strong cybersecurity measures and digital safety protocols to effectively combat the growing sophistication of cyberattacks. Brendan Dowling, Ambassador for Critical Technology and Cyber Affairs at DFAT, emphasised, “Our collaboration on online safety is essential for safeguarding our public sector institutions and citizens against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.”
This collaboration will significantly impact cybersecurity in the public sector, drive innovation, and enhance protections against sophisticated threats. Australia and the UK enhance their bilateral relationship by aligning technological capabilities with strategic objectives, setting a standard for global cooperation in critical technology and cybersecurity.
The participating agencies will engage in ongoing discussions and share insights, including distinct meetings with the UK’s Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT). This collaborative strategy ensures that both countries lead in technology and cyber resilience, tackling the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats together.