24 November 2025
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) in collaboration with the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) and Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) are proud to announce their consortium partnership to deliver ‘CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals, within the Growing & Professionalising Cyber Security Industry Pilot Program, co-funded by the Department of Home Affairs.
CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals is a key element of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030.
Led by ACS, the consortium will co-design and pilot a Cyber Security Professionalisation Scheme and recommend standards – together with industry and the wider tech community – to help provide clear career, skills and education pathways for workers in, and those seeking to enter, the cyber security workforce.
CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals will provide guidance for industry regarding skills expectations for accredited professionals; an evaluation of the pilot scheme; and a plan to scale the scheme after the pilot that includes:
- a strategy to increase industry uptake and participation in the scheme; and
- an independent funding mechanism to sustain the program following the pilot, that doesn’t introduce further barriers to entry into the cyber industry.
ACS CEO, Josh Griggs said: “With threats evolving faster than ever, we must clearly define roles, skills, and career pathways for the cyber workforce. This consortium is working closely with industry and the entire ecosystem to build a rigorous framework and a pilot model that will help close the gap in cyber capability, recognition and professionalisation to keep Australia safe.”
Ian Oppermann, Chair of the Growing and Professionalising Cyber Security Program Steering Committee said: “Cyber security is a forever challenge, something we will live with so long as we live in a digitally enabled world. The consortium is helping to professionalise Australia’s cybersecurity workforce and grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.”
AISA Chair, Michael Burchell said: "The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) recognises the immense trust placed in the cyber security community to protect Australia's digital systems. We are proud to represent the voice of our members, and all cyber practitioners, in the design and delivery of this pilot scheme."
Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) Interim CEO, Guy Roberts said: "Aus3C is delighted to be a Consortium Partner in this industry shaping program. We look forward to playing our part and reflecting the views of our members in shaping the deliverables to benefit the future of the cyber security industry."
AWSN Founder and CEO, Jacqui Loustau said: “AWSN is pleased to join the Professionalising the Cyber Security Industry consortium with ACS, AISA, Aus3C, to ensure that the voices from underrepresented groups are heard and considered in shaping the future of the industry. AWSN’s participation in this pilot program is consultative, and we are committed to ensuring that all efforts throughout the project are inclusive by design, consider all types of personas/pathways in our sector, and is carried out in a considered, respectful, and collaborative manner.”
The Consortium would like to thank all our bid delivery collaborators and adopters. We look forward to working with them and encourage consultation with industry over the next few months to define the problems we need to solve and help shape the future of Australia’s cyber workforce together. For more information and to be involved in the consultation process, please visit the CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals program information page: acs.org.au/cyberpath
ENDS
Media contact
Troy Steer, ACS Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, troy.steer@acs.org.au or 0417 173 740
About ACS
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 41,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit http://www.acs.org.au/ for more information.
About AISA
The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) is Australia’s cyber security peak body, representing over 14,000 members. As a non-profit organisation, AISA works to advance the digital security and safety of Australians and Australia though advocacy, thought-leadership, education, information, and training. As the nationally recognised peak body for cyber security professionals, AISA continually develops and supports the workforce that underpins the nation’s cyber security. Our vision is a safer digital world for all Australians. We are on a mission to help Australians understand their role in cyber security and know how to protect themselves.
About Aus3C
The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) is Australia's collaboration partner of choice in the cyber security sector, representing members across Australia. Aus3C's members work in education, industry, government and across the community delivering services demanding the highest levels of cyber security. Aus3C works to build the cyber resilience of its members with advice, training, events and collaboration, for members' own benefit and also for the wider community. As an independent, member-owned, national organisation, Aus3C is a vital contributor to Australia's cyber uplift. Visit http://www.cybercollaboration.org.au
About AWSN
The Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to educating and empowering women and girls in security. We aim to increase their representation and retention across the security community by fostering connection, confidence, and capability. Through events, mentorship, education, and advocacy, we connect, support and inspire women at every stage of their journey - acting as role models and providing access to the tools, knowledge, networks, and platforms needed to succeed. We believe that the complexity and diversity of today’s security threats demand equally diverse perspectives. Our network thrives on bringing together different minds and experiences to strengthen Australia’s security landscape. Visit https://www.awsn.org.au