The committee presented 12 recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the legislative package
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has urged the Australian Parliament to swiftly pass the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, describing it as crucial for bolstering the nation’s cyber resilience.
The package comprises three key bills: 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. Together, these bills aim to implement seven initiatives outlined in the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
The PJCIS conducted an extensive review of the package, which included over 60 submissions and two public hearings. Contributions came from industry experts, government representatives, and civil society organisations, many of whom had participated in earlier consultations led by the Department of Home Affairs. According to the PJCIS, there was broad support for the proposed legislation, with contributors recognizing its importance in addressing Australia’s evolving cyber security challenges.
Senator Raff Ciccone, chair of the PJCIS, emphasized the urgency of the reforms. “The Committee recognises that hardening Australia’s cyber resilience and implementing the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy is an urgent priority of the Government and this Parliament,” Ciccone said in a statement.
In its advisory report, the committee presented 12 recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the legislative package. These include provisions for ongoing review and oversight to ensure the reforms are implemented successfully and remain responsive to emerging threats.
“Noting the extensive consultation process that the Department of Home Affairs has already conducted — and subject to implementation of the recommendations in this report — the Committee supports the urgent passage of the legislative package,” Ciccone added.
If enacted, the legislative package is expected to strengthen protections for critical infrastructure, improve cyber threat response capabilities, and foster collaboration between government and private sectors in tackling cyber risks.
