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MEDIA RELEASE

ACS CONGRATULATES UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE AND EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY ON FIRST ACADEMIC CYBER CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE 

 

Australia, 21 June 2017: The ACS, the professional association for Australia’s ICT sector, congratulates the University of Melbourne and Edith Cowan University on their appointment as leaders of the country’s first Academic Centres of Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE).

The Australian Government has announced it is boosting Australia's cyber security capability by providing a $1.9 million contribution towards the new centres.

ACS President Anthony Wong said, “We commend Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan for their hard work and prioritisation of cyber security and supporting this centre.

“This initiative will encourage more Australian students to undertake studies and research in cyber security. Building Australia’s capability to meet the growing demand for highly skilled cyber professionals is essential if we are to address the future cyber protection needs for our country.

“Just last month, the ACS launched Australia’s Digital Pulse Report, which found the average cost of a cyber attack to an Australian business is approximately $419,000. The focus of the new ACCSE in supporting Australia’s cyber capabilities has the potential to reduce the impact of these attacks in the future.

“In addition, developing our own cyber security industry is an opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and education, and will ensure Australia is well positioned for a future as a digitally advanced nation. Economic modelling suggests that a greater focus on cyber security by Australian businesses could increase business investment by 5.5% and wages by 2.0%. It could also employ an additional 60,000 people by 2030.

Last November, the ACS hosted the IFIP President's Ministerial Forum where key issues were explored around the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and cyber resilience including the importance of staying on top of old and new cybersecurity threats.

                     

In 2011 the ACS created the Cyber Task Force to assist the government in staging a series of public forums to consult on the cyber white paper, and last year we launched a Cybersecurity: Threats, Challenges, Opportunities Guide to help Australian business leaders understand the role of cyber security.

“The ACS looks forward to the continued opportunity to assist the government on future initiatives that encourage a greater uptake of study in the STEM fields, raise public awareness on cyber security, and achieve the goal of becoming a cyber smart nation,” Mr Wong said.

-ENDS-

 

Further information

Louise Proctor, Launch Group, 0452 574 244 louise@launchgroup.com.au
Sarah Jane Williams, Launch Group, 0409 362 679 sarahjane@launchgroup.com.au

 

About the ACS

The ACS is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Over 22,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. The ACS exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. The ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.