The Commonwealth has officially opened a Joint Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) in Adelaide, South Australia.
The opening ceremony for the JCSC was attended by representatives from federal and state governments, the academic community and business, including critical defence and energy industries.
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne, who officially opened the Centre on Friday, said the new facility expands the footprint of the Government’s $47 million national Joint Cyber Security Program and Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy.
“South Australia hosts some of the nation’s most important energy, infrastructure and defence assets,” Minister Pyne added.
“This Centre is crucial to protecting our national assets including the wider Defence industry we depend on.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Peter Dutton, said the importance of government and industry working together to protect Australian businesses and the community from the increasing threat of cybercrime, including interference from malicious actors and criminal groups.
Part of Australia’s lead cyber security agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, and its Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the new facility will support bilateral partnerships with State and Territory governments through an Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (AustCyber) Cyber Security Innovation Node located on the premises.
Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the Centre has already attracted a large number of partners who are looking to take advantage of the unique collaboration between all levels of government and industry.
“AustCyber’s partnership with the Marshall Government will help improve cyber defences, develop skills, grow jobs and increase Australia’s export opportunities in the booming global cyber security market,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Coalition Government is determined to realise the industry growth opportunity of the rapidly growing global cyber security market, expected to be worth US$250 billion by 2026.”
