Queensland opens two new cyber innovation nodes

The Queensland Government has launched two new cybersecurity innovation nodes in Brisbane and Townsville as it seeks to bolster the local industry.

The two new nodes will work together to strengthen the industry by supporting promising startups, growing exports, attracting investment, and working to address the cyber skills gap.

They have been established through a partnership between the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative and AustCyber.

Queensland Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the nodes are being established to ensure Queensland can capitalise on the increasing demand for cybersecurity. Total Australian cybersecurity spending is on track to grow from $5.6 billion in 2020 to $7.6 billion by 2024, according to Australia’s Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan.

Meanwhile 26,500 workers are employed in cybersecurity in Australia, including 3600 located in Queensland.

“The focus is on collaboration between government, businesses and industry to drive the cutting-edge innovations that will advance the sector in local, national and international markets,” Hinchcliffe said.

“With COVID-19, we are increasingly working in the digital sphere. Consequently, we are conscious of our vulnerability to cybercrime. This is particularly noticeable for high-tech industries such as defence, aviation and aerospace, medtech, fintech and advanced manufacturing — all of which demand highly connected digital infrastructure. As a result, there is a huge demand for cybersecurity.”

AustCyber CEO Michelle Price said Queensland’s cybersecurity industry is relatively mature, with an average age of 10 years. She said a local presence for AustCyber in the form of the two nodes will ensure these companies can benefit from the national efforts to grow the industry.

“Growth in the sector locally will attract business investment, create employment opportunities and support Australia’s national security through development of advanced cybersecurity capability,” she said.

With the two new nodes, Queensland will become the only state to host multiple nodes. AustCyber’s national network currently consists of nodes in Canberra, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and NSW.

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