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The Australian front for cybersecurity falls in the hands of several agencies. Furthermore, as with anything else, the saying too many chefs in the kitchen still apply. Having many entities pitching in most often creates more problems than solutions. Nevertheless, the ministry of home affairs and cybersecurity may have an answer.

According to Professor John Blaxland of the Australian National University, the current situation of Australia’s cybersecurity involves many different entities, such as the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, AUSTRAC, and the eSafety Commissioner, to name a few.

“It is a fast-moving feast. There is a lot of collaboration, cross-pollination, and a lot of swapping notes,” said Blaxland, noting that these agencies and entities are not only trying to combat cybercrimes but also have to continuously liaise with different domestic and international cybersecurity agencies to ensure the nation is kept safe. Blaxland noted that this creates a ‘crowded pitch’ and may inevitably lead to the creation of silos at different levels of the government if not appropriately managed.

However, Reuters author Renju Jose reported that home affairs and cybersecurity minister Clare O’Neil is working to remove this challenge. O’Neil’s office recently published a discussion paper on a new cybersecurity strategy. The document discusses the possibility of the added authority of the government to step in during a cyber crisis. It also discusses that the government is looking into appointing a coordinator for cybersecurity.

Jose noted, “The government will set up a coordinator for cyber security, supported by a national office within the department of home affairs, tasked with ensuring government agencies work together during cyber incidents.” The author added that the coordinator would also oversee the government’s investment strategies toward cybersecurity and help lead the response when hackers attack.

Bart Hogeveen, head of the cyber capacity building at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, added that despite coordination, the government should also consider developing a mechanism to understand and analyse the threats from the cybersecurity perspective. 

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