The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a Cyber White Paper that will ‘provide a comprehensive blueprint’ to build internet security for the public.

 

Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced the project, saying that the paper will aim at allowing the government, business and private sectors to realise the benefits of cyberspace while mitigating the emerging security issues surrounding increased internet dependency.

 

"The Government has commissioned the White Paper to ensure Australia's electronic operating environment continues to maximise the benefits of the digital economy, build Australia's digital future and support Australia's national security,” Mr McClelland said.

 

The White Paper will build on the Government's 2009 Cyber Security Strategy and the establishment of the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), CERT Australia, the Cyber Safety Plan and the Digital Economy Strategy.

 

"Australia agreed to expand cyber collaboration efforts with the United Kingdom at the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial consultations in January this year. This followed a similar agreement with the United States at the Australia-United States Ministerial consultations in November 2010," Mr McClelland said.

 

The Cyber White Paper will be led by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and will commence extensive public consultations from July via a public discussion paper. The White Paper is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012.