New cyber tzar faces a brewing storm over government powers to take over businesses
Cybersecurity lawyers say the government's push for new powers to take control of businesses hit by hacks could burden businesses with onerous compliance obligations, and even threaten foreign investment.
When Air Marshall Darren Goldie was announced as the nation’s inaugural Cybersecurity Coordinator, he was flanked by Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil in the prime minister’s courtyard of Parliament House.
“Strengthening Australia's cyber security is a fundamental priority for my government. It underpins the way that we live, the way that we work and the way that we communicate,” Albanese said in the press conference on 23, June 2023. “And the appointment of the National Cybersecurity Coordinator will be an essential component of providing this protection.”
Goldie’s replacement, Michelle McGuinness, starts in the role today - but it is a much more low-key affair. O’Neil released a statement confirming the appointment on Sunday, which came after Capital Brief revealed the pending announcement earlier this month.
The more subdued announcement is partly explained by Goldie’s departure, after he was recalled by Defence to deal with a workplace matter in November just five months into the job. While the Department of Home Affairs settled on McGuinness some months ago, her appointment was held up by the internal process within Defence involving Goldie and she was only approved by cabinet last Monday.
