Joint media release with the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP



The Morrison Government is investing more than $8 million in innovative projects designed to improve the skills and availability of cyber security professionals.

The eight successful projects funded under round one of the $70 million Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund will introduce students to training and career pathways and also create job-ready professionals through industry traineeships and work experience programs.

La Trobe University was awarded $2.35 million to raise awareness among 80,000 high school students about cyber security skills and training opportunities. The program also partners with major industry players to help small businesses grow their skills.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the cyber security workforce was expected to grow by about 7000 over the next three years, which is why it was so important to strengthen training and career pathways.

“We know that it is vital for industry, education providers and governments to work together if we are to support and grow our critical cyber security workforce,” Minister Porter said. 

“These projects will help inspire the next generation to consider a cyber security career, as well helping to build industry capability, with experts in the field sharing their knowledge directly with small businesses.”

Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the Government was committed to keeping Australians secure online and growing the nation’s cyber skills was a key part of the $1.67 billion Cyber Security Strategy 2020. 

“We need a strong cyber security workforce in Australia to meet the increasing scale and sophistication of cyber threats,” Minister Andrews said. 

“Projects funded under the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund will help grow our workforce to ensure a safe online environment for all Australians.”

The other projects sharing in a total of $8.2 million are:

• An Australian Cyber Security Growth Network led project to develop a practical Cyber Security Traineeship program to support about 200 participants into a cyber security career.
  
   
• A Central Regional TAFE led project to improve the number and quality of cyber security trained professionals including women in regional and remote locations in Western Australia.
  
   
• A CSIRO led project to up-skill SME leaders and early career researchers in cyber security innovation and provide 100 university students with work experience.
  
   
• A RightCrowd led project offering post-graduate training with Griffith University and commercial internships providing on-the-job exposure.
  
   
• A TasTAFE led project to establish a Cyber Innovation Training Hub offering virtual and face-to-face training with a strong focus on industry experience and needs.
  
   
• A NSW Treasury led project delivering a six-week cyber security work experience program with TAFE NSW and businesses for year 10 students. 
  
   
• Grok Academy is partnering school, vocational and university students with major industry players to develop their cyber security skills.

For more information on the projects visit: https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cyber-security-skills-partnership-innovation-fund/grant-recipients

More information on the Fund can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cyber-security-skills-partnership-innovation-fund