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Coalition reveals new shadow cyber, comms and digital ministers

The Coalition’s shadow ministry has been changed under the leadership of new Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, with several new technology-based ministers being appointed.

Wed, 18 Feb 2026
Coalition reveals new shadow cyber, comms and digital ministers

Senator Sarah Henderson has been appointed the new shadow minister for communications and digital safety. In the role, she will lead operations for cyber security and critical infrastructure.

In a statement, Taylor said that in the role, Henderson would prioritise free speech and that lawful Australians would not bear the force of digital safety, but criminals instead.

“Senator Sarah Henderson, the shadow minister for communications and digital safety, will stand up for media competition and free speech, and ensure digital safety efforts target criminals and predators, not lawful Australians,” he said.

 
 

Similarly, Aaron Violi was appointed as shadow minister for cyber security, shadow minister for the digital economy, and shadow minister for science, technology and innovation.

Violi will take on the cyber security role previously held by Senator James Paterson, who has been shifted to shadow minister for defence.

“James will be relentless in holding Labor to account for its failures on defence funding, readiness and delivery,” Taylor said.

Taylor thanked the former members for their service and called the new appointments a “fresh beginning” for the party.

“I thank the outgoing members of the shadow ministry for their tireless service to our country. We’re fortunate to have real depth of talent in our party room, and I’m committed to drawing on all of it,” he said.

“Today marks a fresh beginning: an opportunity to put the past behind us and to remember that our historic strength has always come through unity. And unity is again needed for strength.

“This is a team with one purpose: to restore Australians’ standard of living and protect our way of life. Because Australia is worth fighting for.”

Daniel Croft

Daniel Croft

Born in the heart of Western Sydney, Daniel Croft is a passionate journalist with an understanding for and experience writing in the technology space. Having studied at Macquarie University, he joined Momentum Media in 2022, writing across a number of publications including Australian Aviation, Cyber Security Connect and Defence Connect. Outside of writing, Daniel has a keen interest in music, and spends his time playing in bands around Sydney.
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