Michelle McGuinness confirmed as nation's new cyber tzar
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The news: The Albanese government has confirmed a 30-year veteran of the Australian military, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, will be the nation's new coordinator for cybersecurity.
Capital Brief first reported that McGuinness would be appointed into the role earlier this month.
The context: McGuinness will be the second coordinator for cybersecurity, replacing Air Marshall Darren Goldie who was recalled by Defence in November to deal with a workplace matter. She will start the role Monday.
McGuinness is a 30-year veteran of the Australian Defence Force and most recently served as deputy director Commonwealth ontegration in the United States Defense Intelligence Agency.
In a statement, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said McGuinness will "lead policy and cultural reform, and technological integration, including interoperability across information technology, systems and data" across the government.
"She will lead this work in collaboration with the Government’s key policy, operational and security agencies," O'Neil said.
The appointment comes as the Albanese government wants to introduce a number of new laws to give federal authorities greater power to compel operators of critical infrastructure to take actions in the wake of cyber attacks.
Given the proposed power has a potentially broad application, and it is not subject to judicial review, there is some trepidation building within the cyber community.
Government sources said the appointment of McGuinness was held up by the internal process within Defence involving Goldie, which has now been finalised.
The appointment of McGuinness was approved by federal cabinet last Monday, the sources confirmed.
The source: ABC
