The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has today presented its advisory report for its review of the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, recommending that the package be urgently passed by the Parliament.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 November 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its advisory report for its review of the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, recommending that the package be urgently passed by the Parliament.   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 added.   “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.   Media inquiries: Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au   For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue 'Track Committee' button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.  

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package consisting 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.

Media release issue date: Friday, 11 October 2024

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package consisting 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 address legislative gaps to bring Australia in line with international best practice and help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security. These measures are intended to address gaps in current legislation to: mandate minimum cyber security standards for smart devices; introduce mandatory ransomware reporting for certain businesses to report ransom payments; introduce ‘limited use’ obligations for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD); and establish a Cyber Incident Review Board. The package also intends to progress and implement reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act). These reforms are intended to: clarify existing obligations in relation to systems holding business critical data; enhance government assistance measures to better manage the impacts of all hazards incidents on critical infrastructure; simplify information sharing across industry and Government; introduce a power for the Government to direct entities to address serious deficiencies within their risk management programs; and align regulation for the security of telecommunications into the SOCI Act. Senator Raff Ciccone, newly elected Chair of the PJCIS, said “Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure are essential components of Australia’s national security. This review will aim to ensure the new legislative package will operate as effectively and reasonably as possible in response to ever increasing cyber threats. The Committee looks forward to engaging with a range of government, civil society and corporate submitters.” Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday 25 October 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, via Giulio Di Giorgio 0422 622 760 giulio.digiorgio@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.