Major General Michelle McGuinness takes over as Australia's new cyber tzar
The government is set to appoint another military officer to be its public face on cybersecurity.
A major general in the Australian Army has been chosen to be the nation’s new cybersecurity boss as the federal government readies to give itself new powers to deal with the aftermath of damaging hacks.
Maj. Gen. Michelle McGuinness will be appointed as the nation’s second Coordinator for Cybersecurity in the coming weeks, replacing Air Marshal Darren Goldie who was recalled by Defence in November to deal with a workplace matter.
Two Defence sources, who were not authorised to comment on record, confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs has settled on McGuinness to take on the role, but it has not yet been confirmed by federal cabinet.
The process to officially appoint McGuinness has been partly held up by the disciplinary action taken against Goldie, which relates to a complaint against him from his time as RAAF Air Commander, according to the sources. It is unclear whether Goldie will remain at Defence.
