A new Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group will be created on 1 May this year, providing further support to the ambitious challenge of making Australia the most cyber-secure nation in the world by 2030.
The Group, which will be under the leadership of Mr Hamish Hansford in a new Deputy Secretary position, will bring together the cyber security and infrastructure policy settings, response and coordination in one place.
“This will enable an integrated response to support the Minister for Home Affairs, as Minister for Cyber Security, as well as the recently advertised role of the National Cyber Security Coordinator,” Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo said.
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The Group, which will be responsible for helping the Minister and the Coordinator deliver and implement Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030, will function through cyber and infrastructure security partnerships.
This will ensure that Government and industry will work together on hardening Australian infrastructure and economy from cyberattacks and from other hazards.
Mr Pezzullo also revealed that the National Cyber Security Coordinator will perform a key role in supporting the Minister to deliver major reforms in cybersecurity.
“The Coordinator will deliver a centrally coordinated approach to the Government’s cyber security responsibilities and initiatives and will be instrumental in driving leadership in the Australian Government to develop strategic national security capability that underpins our future prosperity,” he said.
“This will result in a more coordinated approach across the Australian Public Service to deliver the Government’s cyber security priorities and initiatives.”
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The Coordinator’s tasks include keeping the Minister informed to enable effective oversight of whole-of-government responses to cyber incidents and ensuring cyber security incident management frameworks are aligned and fit for purpose.
Mr Pezzullo also states that the Coordinator will be responsible for identifying and mitigating gaps in whole-of-government mechanisms, including advice on legislative options for unauthorised data releases.
“We are today, in 2023, even more focussed on cyber security and critical infrastructure protection, national security and resilience at home, including in relation to climate change and geo-political risks, strengthening our democracy and combatting new and emerging forms of violent extremism,” he said.