Search for:

The Australian Government takes its next step towards becoming a world cyber security leader by 2030

In brief

In 2023, the Australian Government released the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

9 October 2024 marked the latest in a series of legislative reforms in pursuit of that strategy, as the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 (Package) was introduced to Parliament. The Package has been referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security for inquiry and report.

The Package contains the following:

  1. Cyber Security Bill 2024 (“Cyber Security Bill“);
  2. Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024 (“Intelligence Services Amendment Bill“); and
  3. Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 (“SOCI Amendment Bill“).

The Package is targeted at addressing legislative gaps to bring Australia in line with global best practice and fostering collaboration and information-sharing between industry and government. This includes establishing a mandatory reporting requirement for ransomware and cyber extortion payments. Businesses should closely watch the progress of the Package.


Click here to access the full alert.

Author

Paul Forbes is a partner in the Dispute Resolution group at Baker McKenzie, Sydney.

Author

Ryan Grant is a litigation partner with over 12 years' experience. Ryan has acted for national and international technology and media companies in relation to disputes in the areas of misleading or deceptive conduct, data protection, data breach, copyright, defamation, including online defamation, and general commercial disputes. Many of these disputes involve issues that have never been litigated in Australia. Ryan also holds a Bachelor of IT majoring in Software Engineering and Internet Technology and worked as a software developer prior to becoming a lawyer.

Author

Adrian Lawrence is the head of the Firm's Asia Pacific Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group. He is a partner in the Sydney office of Baker McKenzie where he advises on media, intellectual property and information technology, providing advice in relation to major issues relating to the online and offline media interests. He is recognised as a leading Australian media and telecommunications lawyer.

Author

Anne has been with Baker McKenzie since 2001. Prior to that, she spent four years with the Australian Attorney-General's Department/Australian Government Solicitor mostly working on large IT projects.
In her time at Baker McKenzie, Anne has spent 18 months working in London (2007-2008) and, more recently, three years working in Singapore (2017-2020).

Author

Jarrod Bayliss-McCulloch is a special counsel in the Information Technology & Commercial department at the Melbourne office of Baker McKenzie and advises on major technology-driven transactions and regulatory issues spanning telecommunications, intellectual property, data privacy and consumer law with a particular focus on digital media and new product development. Jarrod joined the Firm in 2009 and his prior experience includes working in strategy consulting and development economics.

Author

Simone Blackadder is a special counsel in Baker McKenzie's IP Tech team in Sydney.
Simone has been with Baker McKenzie since 2010. In her time at Baker McKenzie, Simone has spent 3 years working in London (2017-2020).