Tony Burke Appointed as Australia’s New Cybersecurity Minister in Government Shake-Up

The Federal Government has named Tony Burke as its new minister for cybersecurity and Home Affairs, with incumbent Clare O’Neil moved to the housing portfolio. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the changes as part of a broader cabinet and ministerial shake-up on Sunday afternoon, following a week of speculation.

“I am proud to lead a talented and united cabinet government that is focused every day on continuing to deliver better outcomes and more opportunities for all Australians,” Albanese said. “While my Government’s leadership team remains unchanged, the decision three colleagues have taken to step down creates an opportunity for others to step up.”

Albanese noted that this was the first major change to government personnel in two years, adding, “I would expect that this is the team that I will take to the election when it is held.” The election is anticipated to be sometime next year.

Tony Burke New Minister for Cybersecurity

In addition to the cybersecurity and Home Affairs portfolios, Burke will also lead immigration and multicultural affairs, and remain minister of the arts and leader of the house. Other significant appointments include Julie Collins as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, and Clare O’Neil as Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness.

Albanese also introduced a new advisory role for MP Andrew Charlton, as the “special envoy for cybersecurity and digital resilience.” He stated, “This will be a special task that I’ve discussed with Andrew, as well as with Tony Burke, the minister for cybersecurity, and with Michelle Rowland, the minister for communications, about where Australia and indeed the world is going on the range of issues with technology changing the way that we relate to each other, the way that our entire society functions.”

Albanese emphasized the importance of this role, saying, “This is something that requires someone away from the day-to-day activity to give thought to how Australia positions ourselves to not only avoid some of the bad consequences which are there but also seize the positive opportunities which are there as well. Andrew Charlton is a great thinker, and he’s someone who I wanted to step up in this role.”

Clare O’Neil, who will now serve as the minister for housing and minister for homelessness, has had a high-profile role in the government. She led the cybersecurity portfolio through the Optus data breach and a subsequent series of high-profile incidents affecting large numbers of Australians. She also oversaw a major revision of the federal government’s cybersecurity strategy, which is currently being implemented.

Albanese also announced that the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) will move out of Home Affairs and into the Attorney-General’s Department to be closer to the Australian Federal Police. He clarified that he had not considered moving cybersecurity out of the Home Affairs portfolio at the same time.

In his official media release, Albanese expressed confidence in his team, saying, “We are proud of what we have delivered for Australians and the progress we have made together. Our Ministry works together, listens to each other and acts decisively with purpose. Building on their progress demands that we elevate new voices and the changes that I am announcing ensure stability and certainty.”

The Prime Minister intends to recommend to Her Excellency the Governor-General that new members of the Ministry be sworn in tomorrow, Monday, 29 July 2024.

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