Along with a new minister for innovation, industry and science, the newly re-elected Turnbull government has possibly the most high-tech appointment ever to the cabinet. Current Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan will take on the role of Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security, in a move recommended by a long-overdue overhaul of government’s online security strategy.
This story was originally published at 5:30PM on July 18th.
In addition to his duties as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and the position of Minister for Defence Personnel, Tehan will take over a newly created role recommended by a recent government policy announcement, and will work with public and private sector organisations alike, like the Australian Cyber Security Centre and AusCERT, to collaborate on cybersecurity.
The Turnbull government in April launched its Cyber Security Strategy, the first update to the policy since 2009 and a $230 million investment in private sector partnerships intended to strengthen ties between government and major businesses sharing intelligence on online threats. An appointment for a ‘cyber ambassador’ as part of the program is still forthcoming through Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s office.
Christopher Pyne moves out of the role as minister for innovation, industry and science to become minister for defence industry, and leaves the role open for incoming former environment minister Greg Hunt. Craig Laundy will become minister assisting in the innovation role. Mitch Fifield remains Minister for Commmunications and the Arts.
Honoured to be reappointed as Minister for Communications & the Arts and Manager of Govt Business in the Senate in @TurnbullMalcolm Cabinet.
— Mitch Fifield (@SenatorFifield) July 18, 2016
Fifield’s tweet is eerily similar to the one he made almost precisely nine months ago:
Humbled to have been appointed Minister for Communications, Minister for the Arts & Min Assisting @TurnbullMalcolm for Digital Government
— Mitch Fifield (@SenatorFifield) September 20, 2015