A national effort to strengthen and formalise Australia’s cyber security workforce is speeding up, with the CyberPath program launching a consultation process to define how the profession is recognised, developed, and supported.
Cyber security professionals, employers, educators, and aspiring practitioners are encouraged to participate in the initiative’s first national survey, which closes on 9 April.
The consultation marks a key phase in the federally backed CyberPath program, which aims to address workforce shortages and improve career pathways across the sector.
Former Queensland minister Kate Jones has been appointed chair of the CyberPath Steering Committee. Jones brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across government portfolios, including education and innovation, and will oversee efforts to align industry, policy and workforce development priorities.
“CyberPath is a national initiative designed to strengthen and professionalise Australia’s cyber security workforce,” Jones said in an April 1 statement.
“This is an important opportunity for cyber professionals, employers, educators and emerging talent to help shape a stronger future for the sector.”
Launched last year, CyberPath is administered by a consortium of industry bodies including the Australian Computer Society, the Australian Information Security Association, the Australian Women in Security Network, and the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre. The program is designed to build a more structured and sustainable cyber workforce by improving skills frameworks, career mobility and industry recognition.
ACS president Beau Tydd said the initiative represents a rare opportunity for the sector to influence its own future.
“Cyber security is fundamental to Australia’s economic resilience, national security and digital future,” Tydd said.
“To build a stronger profession, we need input from the people doing the work, hiring talent, training the next generation and navigating these pathways firsthand.”
Participants can share their views here, while the full CyberPath townhall calendar and registration details are available here.
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David Hollingworth
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.