Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security. Will the minister update the House on the achievements of this government in cybersecurity, and what has this government done to keep my constituents safe online?

Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question and note his strong and continued interest in Australia's national security.

I must say it is a pleasure to get a question on national security, and I look forward to a few more questions from those opposite—also on economic security, because it seems to be when it comes to national security and economic security there is very little interest on that side.

Not so on this side, and especially when it comes to the member for Deakin. I congratulate him on his appointment to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and Security, and in particular his role in chairing that. It is an incredibly important committee. It does great bipartisan work on the national security agenda, and I know he will do an outstanding job in heading that committee.

It is also incredibly important that we focus on the national security threat of cyber.

Jason Clare (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Apple or pear?

Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the Prime Minister has said, we want Australia to lead the world in cybersecurity and we have the brains and the imagination to do so.

Opposition members interjecting—

If you listen, you might learn something!

Mr Shorten interjecting —

You might learn something, Bill!

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will refer to members by their correct title.

Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You might learn something if you listen! The government's national Cyber Security Strategy, released by the Prime Minister in April, was the first significant commitment to Australia's cybersecurity capability in our history. And it is something that those opposite should recognise and support.

We have committed $230 million to our strategy—$230 million—which includes commitments to cybersecurity health checks for Australian businesses and which will give companies tailored solutions to online challenges and threats. We will also increase the capacity of the Australian Cyber Security Centre to have agencies across government coordinate their response and defence against threats. It will also bring business closer to our agencies, to help them get the solutions that they need to remain secure.

In an online world the government is putting out real solutions and investment to secure Australians. By fully committing to these and other initiatives, this government is expected to create 800 specialist jobs back in the economy—800 specialist jobs—over the life of the strategy. This government has the runs on the board with regard to cybersecurity. We have delivered the blueprint for a safe cybersecurity future. (Time expired)

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that further question be placed on the Notice Paper.