The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has unveiled a new world-class cyber and foreign intelligence facility to further boost its signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations as the agency marks its 75 years of defending Australia from global threats. 

The new facility, located at Majura Park, Canberra, will further boost ASD’s capabilities as well as offer unique employment opportunities for the next generation of intelligence analysts, cyber operators, technology researchers, and corporate enablers. 

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said ASD plays a critical role in defending all Australians and protecting and strengthening Australia’s security, including the nation’s critical infrastructure. 

“This state-of-the-art building reflects the Australian government’s determination to defend against and confront our adversaries in what is a rapidly deteriorating strategic environment,” Minister Dutton said. 

“ASD is a world-class intelligence, offensive cyber and cyber security agency and this new facility will ensure its dedicated staff can continue to innovate and stay one step ahead of our most cunning adversaries.” 

Minister Dutton stated that protecting Australians and Australian interests is the top priority of the Australian Government and that intelligence and security agencies need the best possible tools not only to deter adversaries and defend the nation but also to strike back when necessary.

Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said the country’s economy is more connected than ever before, and securing Australia’s digital sovereignty is vital for national sovereignty. 

“As we’re seeing in conflicts around the globe, authoritarian states are increasingly using cyberattacks to undermine and threaten democracies, and a strong ASD is vital to Australia’s cyber defences”, Assistant Minister Hastie said. 

“The Majura Park facility will better enable ASD and its Australian Cyber Security Centre to detect increased threats, disrupt more foreign adversaries, and build more partnerships with industry and government to protect more Australians.” 

 ASD’s Director-General Rachel Noble said the Majura Park facility will foster security partnerships across the intelligence community, law enforcement, Australian industry and international partners. 

“ASD has always worked as part of a larger team alongside its inter-agency domestic partners and Five Eyes allies, and the Majura Park facility will mean we can collaborate and share information with greater speed, scale and impact,” Director-General Noble said. 

“ASD has always had to out-think and out-imagine our adversaries. We do this best as a team.” 

This facility will generate increased opportunities for the type of collaboration across private and public sectors, necessary to defend and win in the current cyber threat environment. 

The Majura Park facility will house agents and personnel from the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Home Affairs and key industry partners. 

Source: Department of Defence Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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