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The Australian government’s proposed cyber security legislative package has been referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) by Home Affairs minister Tony Burke.
The package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.
Broadly, the package, which will fall under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, addresses gaps in current legislation to mandate minimum cyber security standards for smart devices and introduces mandatory ransomware reporting for businesses that make ransom payments.
Raff Ciccone, newly elected chair of the PJCIS, said cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure are essential components of Australia’s national security.
However, this “review will aim to ensure the new legislative package will operate as effectively and reasonably as possible in response to ever increasing cyber threats”.
The Committee will “engage with a range of government, civil society and corporate submitters” on their views on the Bill.
While the Bill has been welcomed by industry peak bodies like, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), it remains wary of Part 3A in the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act that allows step in and intervention powers of the government.
Submissions from the public are open until 25 October.