$26.5 million grants program to build Aussie cyber skills

The Australian Government has launched the $26.5 million Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, to help build cybersecurity career pathways and lift the nation’s cybersecurity capability. The program will provide grants of between $250,000 and $3 million to improve the quality and availability of cybersecurity professionals through training.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the funding will support partnerships between industry, education providers and governments to build the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

“Cybersecurity is essential to our digital economy and needs to be strong in all areas — particularly in small and medium enterprises, which comprise 98% of all Australian businesses. This fund builds on our commitment to keep Australians secure online and to support building industry capability,” said Andrews.

The Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund is part of the $50 million Cyber Security National Workforce Growth Program, a key element of Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020. Eligible activities include developing and delivering specialist cybersecurity courses for professionals, retraining programs, professional development, apprenticeships, establishing new internships, cadetships, work experience and staff exchanges, and establishing cyber labs and training facilities.

Applicants must submit a joint application, with one lead organisation as the main driver of the project and at least one other project partner. Approximately $13 million will be available for Round One of the grants program, which closes on 11 March 2021. The second round of funding will be launched late this year.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said growing Australia’s cyber skills is an important priority under the government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020.

“Having more people trained in cybersecurity will build on the other measures funded​ as part of our $1.67 billion strategy to keep Australians safe online and protect against cyber attacks from malicious actors including cybercriminals,” said Dutton.

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