The appointment of a new cybersecurity minister has not only ensured that cyber security will have its own portfolio in the Australian cabinet, but it has also meant that there will be a more targeted focus on addressing the country’s cybersecurity issues.

Prior to the current changes under the new administration, cyber security was a massive, cross-cutting portfolio. The Department of Home Affairs handled the policy arm while the ASD, ACSC, AFP and AUSTRAC handled its operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade handled international issues in relation to cyber security.  

Aside from this, Former Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews was in charge of most of the implementation of cyber security policies. This task was often shared with former Assistant Defence Minister Andrew Hastie.   

During this period, cybersecurity issues have risen that the Australian Government should address.  

The areas of focus for cybersecurity are broad as it encompasses the protection of critical infrastructure against espionage. It also further involves aspects of election interference, foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats, all of which require the protection of critical space assets.  

It was also reported by the ACSC that the previous financial year saw a nearly 13% increase in cyber crime reports compared to the year prior, totalling over $33 billion in losses. More than a quarter of these reports were associated with attacks on critical infrastructure.  

These challenges have brought a need to increase the country’s cyber security professionals, which can be addressed by training more people and increasing skilled migration. While the ASD has already been training cybersecurity experts, further policies should be made to fully embrace this.  

Another issue that should be addressed is Australia’s international relations in regard to cybersecurity. In 2021, the Australian Government joined its international partners in expressing concerns about China’s malicious cyber activities.   

While this is being addressed through initiatives such as the AUKUS agreement, the Australian Government should also drive international forums on such issues, build capacity to respond to such threats, and work with like-minded countries to respond to cyber criminals.   

Strengthening foreign relations can also provide significant resources for cyber and technology capacity building, benefitting the economy and security of Australia and its regional partners. 

While there has been no announcement that new cyber security policies will be promoted or existing policies be modified, the appointment of a minister for cybersecurity showed that Labor will be focused on strengthening the country’s cyber resilience as a complement to the previous government’s offensive cyber measures. 

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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