The Department of Home Affairs has published a consultation paper proposing moves to strengthen the security and resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure.
Releasing the paper Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance for public comment, Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton said the evolving threat to landscape posed additional and continuing risks to Australia’s networks, systems and capabilities and it was crucial essential services were protected.
“We cannot be complacent,” Mr Dutton said.
“Owners and operators of critical infrastructure are facing evolving threats including increasing cyberattacks,” he said.
“An incident involving Australia’s critical infrastructure has the potential to cause significant consequences across our economy, security and sovereignty.”
He said security was a shared responsibility.
“Australia is more resilient and secure when we work together,” Mr Dutton said.
“Businesses and all levels of Government have a role to play and we are committed to building on this partnership.”
He said that in an emergency, Australians expected the Government to act.
“By strengthening and better protecting critical infrastructure from threats, Australians can be assured that Government and industry are working together to do what is necessary to keep Australians safe and protect our economy,” the Minister said.
He said the reforms should apply to an expanded set of critical infrastructure sectors and comprised three key elements.
These were a security obligation for critical infrastructure entities; enhanced cyber security obligations for entities most important to the nation; and Government assistance to critical infrastructure in response to significant malicious cyber activity.
“The Government invites industry, academia, and State and Territory Governments to consider the consultation paper, with the consultation period running until 16 September,” Mr Dutton said.
Further information and the 33-page consultation paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
