Home Affairs poaches NSW's top cybersecurity official
The Department of Home Affairs has hired Tony Chapman as it looks to boost its expertise before new 'last resort' powers come into force.
The NSW Government's cybersecurity tsar Tony Chapman has been appointed Deputy National Cybersecurity Coordinator as the federal government prepares to grant itself new powers to take over company networks in the aftermath of damaging hacks.
Chapman, who started in the role on Monday, has been appointed to the job amid pushback from industry regarding the proposed last-resort “consequence management power” which will apply to companies controlling critical infrastructure. The new laws, to be introduced in the coming months, will grant the National Cybersecurity Coordinator, Michelle McGuiness, a range of new responsibilities.
In his role Chapman will lead the National Office of Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs. Sources said the appointment of Chapman — formerly the NSW Government’s Chief Cybersecurity Officer — highlights the need to enhance cyber expertise within the office ahead of the new laws coming into force.
Senior Home Affairs official Joe Smith had been acting in the deputy role prior to Chapman’s appointment.
