The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is building new cyber security hubs in three states. 

The ASD is using some of its recently-awarded REDSPICE funding to create new cyber security hubs in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. 

ASD director-general Rachel Noble says the new stirs will allow the cyber spy agency to tap into a wider talent pool.

“At the moment, given our footprint is largely in Canberra, in order to be willing to join ASD, not only do you need to obtain a security clearance, but you also need to be willing to move to Canberra,” she told a senate estimates hearing.

“REDSPICE [resilience, effects, defence, space, intelligence, cyber and enablers] gives us an opportunity to offer people ongoing roles in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, as well as Canberra.

“So, in one respect, that will potentially remove a barrier that people might have to joining ASD.”

ASD is still working to identify the specific sites for the hubs, which are expected to be operating within the next three years. The agency plans to add a further 1,900 staff to its books over the coming decade.