PJCIS recommends urgent passage of cyber security laws

The legislative package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.

The Cyber Security Legislative Package intends to implement seven initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to bring Australia in line with international best practice and to help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security.

The PJCIS received more than 60 submissions and held two public hearings with a range of industry, government and civil society organisations. There was broad support for the bills amongst most contributors to the inquiry, with many having been involved in an extensive consultation process prior to the bills being introduced.

Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS, said, “The committee recognises that hardening Australia’s cyber resilience and implementing the 2023–2023 Australian Cyber Security Strategy is an urgent priority of the Government and this Parliament.

“In response to matters raised by contributors to the inquiry, the committee has made a total of 12 recommendations, mostly aimed at ensuring the implementation of the package is as effective as possible and subject to ongoing review," Senator Ciccone said.

“Noting the extensive consultation process that the Department of Home Affairs has already conducted — and subject to implementation of the recommendations in this report — the committee supports the urgent passage of the legislative package.”

The full report and further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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