A tech event held in Sydney last week brought together government and industry to strengthen Australia’s cyber capabilities.
Peak body the Tech Council of Australia said the Australian Cyber Exchange was established to “accelerate the development of sovereign cybersecurity solutions, build scale, and ensure Australia remains resilient against cybercrime.”
As well as government, the inaugural event attracted corporations, researchers and start-ups “to collaborate on the evolving cyber threat landscape.”
TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi described the collaboration as “a critical step to ensure industry and government are taking a coordinated approach to building Australia’s cybersecurity and resilience.”
Among the government representatives at ACE25: Michelle McGuinness – national cybersecurity coordinator at Department of Home Affairs, and Alan Marjan – from the Australian Cyber Security Centre of Australian Signals Directorate.
Also appearing at the event – supported by the National Office of Cyber Security – CommBank’s chief security officer Nicola Nicol who emphasised the power of partnership. “In this rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration is crucial,” delegates were told. “Government, industry, and emerging innovators must work as one to stay ahead of cyber threats,” she said.
Collaboration is needed, added Nicol, “to keep building sovereign cybersecurity capabilities and safeguard Australia’s digital economy with a more self-reliant cyber ecosystem.”
Government, industry, and emerging innovators must work as one to stay ahead of cyber threats
Telstra’s global chief information security officer Narelle Devine reinforced the role of cross-sector alliances. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires a united front. ACE25 provides a unique platform for government, industry, and innovators to come together, share insights, and develop robust solutions to help protect our digital landscape. This forum underscores the power of collaboration in driving forward our national cybersecurity capabilities.”
Indigenous-owned business Baidam was one of the start-ups attending the event. “At Baidam, we see our role in building sovereign capability as twofold – delivering worldclass cybersecurity solutions tailored to Australia’s unique threat landscape, and empowering vulnerable communities and First Nations communities to lead in this critical sector,” said group CEO Jack Reis.
Tech start-ups and emerging innovators such as Baidam can play an important role in developing Australia’s future-facing cybersecurity solutions, said Pieter Danhieux – CEO and founder of Secure Code Warrior. “Cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar of our national security, and Australian enterprises – not to mention the government – have a key role to play in safeguarding consumer data from threat actors and nation-state attacks.”
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