Defence releases Cyber and Force Structure Plans 2020

The Australian Government will invest $270 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade the capability and potency of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to keep Australians safe while protecting the country’s interests in a changing global environment.

In its 2020 Defence Strategic Update, released 1 July, the Government signalled a key change in Australia’s defence posture, as it prioritises the Indo-Pacific region.

The update provides a new plan to tackle Australia’s defence challenges while increasing investment and personnel across the entire ADF. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Strategic Update would also mean more job opportunities as Australia’s increasingly capable and sovereign defence industry grows.

The day before, Morrison announced Australia’s largest ever investment in cyber security, with $1.35 billion over the next decade to enhance the cyber security capabilities and assistance provided to Australians through the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
This significant investment, known as the Cyber Enhanced Situational Awareness and Response (CESAR) package, will mean that Australia can identify more cyber threats, disrupt more foreign cybercriminals, build more partnerships with industry and government and protect more Australians.
Malicious cyber activity against Australia is increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication, according to Morrison, and undermines the nation’s economy, national security and sovereignty. : “My Government’s record investment in our nation’s cyber security will help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe,” the Prime Minister said