New laws requiring Australia’s telecommunications companies to maintain the security of their networks and alert the Department of Home Affairs if any security issues arise have now come into force.
Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton announced the commencement of the Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR), saying responsibility for ensuring the security of communications networks would now be shared between Government and the telecommunications industry.
“The security and resilience of our telecommunication networks is vital to the social and economic well-being of the nation,” Mr Dutton said.
“This Government recognises the increasing threat of interference from malicious actors, such as cyber intrusions.”
He said the new rules require carriers and carriage service providers to do their best to protect their networks from unauthorised access and interference.
He said the new rules also require carriers to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any proposed changes to their telecommunications networks and services that might have national security implications.
“Key to the effectiveness of the reforms will be the early notification by industry of any security concerns,” Mr Dutton said, “so that Government agencies can help industry assess risks and cooperate with them on mitigation.”
He said the TSSR was introduced through the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which commenced this week (Tuesday 18 September).
