The BGA Australia Team, led by Managing Director Fergus Hanson, wrote an update to clients on Australia’s release of new ICT and cybersecurity strategies from the Defense Department.

Context

  • Australia’s Assistant Defense Minister Matt Thistlethwaite on August 31 launched the Defense Department’s 2022 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy and Cyber Security Strategy. The release comes as Australia looks to enhance its defense capabilities by strengthening its partnerships with industry.
  • The Defense Strategic Review, which will be handed to the government in early 2023, will inform both strategies. The ICT Strategy will be supported by an action plan, which will provide more detail on the initial actions over the next 24 months.

Significance

  • The Defense Department will seek to build strong partnerships with industry and academia. These relationships are meant to address the national ICT skills shortage and support the development of sovereign capabilities through an integrated “One Defense” approach.
  • Australia no longer sees ICT as merely a corporate enabler; the sector is central to its warfighting capability as Australia navigates its most challenging strategic environment since World War II.

Implications

  • The two strategies present opportunities for companies because industry involvement will be critical to their success, with new investments meant to increase Australia’s cybersecurity competitiveness.
  • Business should watch for ICT stakeholders’ reactions to the strategies, as Australia has welcomed them to make submissions to the country’s ICT plan moving forward.

BGA will continue to keep you updated on developments in Australia as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Australia Managing Director Fergus Hanson at fhanson@bowergroupasia.com.

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