Govt to open Cyber Security Growth Centre

The federal government will invest $31.9 million over the next four financial years to establish a Cyber Security Growth Network, which will begin operating early next year.

The new centre will coordinate with industry, researchers and governments to create a national enterprise that will provide the foundation for the development of new-generation essential security products and services.

According to Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Cyber Security Dan Tehan, the centre will be “a fundamental element of our prosperity and confidence, [and] absolutely vital for our national security ... in our increasingly connected world”.

The establishment of the centre is a key component of the government’s $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda as well as its Cyber Security Strategy.

Former Atlassian director of security Craig Davies has been hired to lead up the new facility once it begins operations.

Davies is a more than 20-year veteran of the technology and cybersecurity industries, having also served in roles including CSO of Cochlear. He is also an advisor for Australian tech start-ups including Deckee and Secure Code Warrior.

“I’m excited to be taking on the role as CEO of the new Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (ACSGN) and I’m looking forward to working with federal, state and territory governments as well as across the economy and into the research community,” Davies wrote on LinkedIn.

“I plan to have nodes of the ACSGN in each state and territory over time, to ensure national as well as local cybersecurity innovation is not restricted/biased by location.”

The government estimates that cybercrime costs the Australian economy at least $1 billion per year.