The Turnbull Government has launched the first joint cyber-security centre designed for collaboration between industry, government and law enforcement to build cyber-security resilience.
Situated in Brisbane, the centre is the first stage of a $47 million program piloting collaborative work spaces where industry, government and law enforcement work together to share relevant threat information.
Led by CERT Australia - the point of contact for cyber security issues affecting major Australian businesses, critical infrastructure and systems of national interest - the Brisbane centre includes representatives from Australian and Queensland government agencies, law enforcement and critical infrastructure owners and operators.
Centre representatives will conduct joint activities, including data analytics, targeted training, workshops and threat mapping. Work is also underway on an information sharing portal that looks to broaden the reach of the centres.
Whilst the Brisbane centre is the first to be opened, similar hubs are set to be established in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the association for Australia’s technology industry professionals, welcomed the initiative.
“The Turnbull Government is to be applauded for prioritising cyber security issues and moving quickly to advance and protect Australia’s interests online,” ACS President Anthony Wong, said.
“The opportunities afforded by the digital and knowledge economies can only be realised through a coordinated and whole of government approach. We commend Ministers Birmingham and Tehan on their commitment to consulting with key stakeholders to create pragmatic policy solutions.”
The collaborative initiative sees the minister assisting the Prime Minister on cyber security, Dan Tehan, action the Turnbull Government’s commitment to working with the private sector to improve Australia’s cyber-security capabilities.
At the opening of the Optus Business security operations centre in November last year, the minister told attendees that continued investment from both the government and private centre was essential for the success of Malcolm Turnbull's cyber security strategy.
“The Australian Government recognises that cyber security is not a job that government can do alone," Tehan said, at the time.
"Technology connects us all and provides us with unheralded opportunities for innovation and profit, but it also unites us in a shared vulnerability."
