Air Force chief announced as first National Cyber Security Coordinator

A long-serving Air Force chief will take on a new role protecting Australia from cybersecurity threats as the country seeks to step up its response to the growing threat in that area.

Air Marshal Darren Goldie, who has been serving as Air Commander Australia, will become the inaugural National Cyber Security Coordinator, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

The coordinator will lead national cybersecurity policy, the coordination of responses to major cyber incidents, whole of government cyber incident preparedness efforts and the strengthening of Commonwealth cybersecurity capability.

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"We see this as a vital component of what modern government needs to do to respond to what our new and emerging challenges which are there, but also the incredible opportunities that come from advances in new technology," Albanese said today.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said it was "a very substantial and seriously growing challenge" for Australia.

Goldie will begin his new role on July 3 this year.

"I have had the privilege to serve the Australian people for the last 30 years in the Australian Defence Force," he said.

"And I look forward to serving in this new role."

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