CHARTING NEW HORIZONS: DEVELOPING HORIZON 2 OF AUSTRALIA'S CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY

The Australian Government has achieved another important milestone on its path to be a world-leader in cyber security with the release of the Horizon 2 Policy Discussion Paper.

The Discussion Paper builds on the momentum already gained through the introduction of the Cyber Security Act 2024 and significant cyber policy reform, programs and initiatives. The Government invites input on the key policy and program outcomes that Australia needs to achieve under the 2023 – 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

 The Discussion Paper seeks feedback and input on key policies that enable Australia to:

·         Embed cyber messaging, cyber standards, capability and efforts.

·         Empower Australian businesses and citizens to protect themselves and become more resilient to cyber incidents.

·         Enhance our cyber frameworks, workforce, and business ecosystem to drive further cyber security uplift.

Consultation on the Discussion Paper is open to all levels of government, industry, educational institutions, community groups, and the Australian public. Submissions to the Discussion Paper can be made through the Department’s consultation webpage until 29 August 2025. Further industry co-design and Town Halls will be held during the consultation process.

 To achieve the Government’s vision, we must build on the momentum of the past two years, and continue to secure Australia’s digital future.

 Quotes attributable to Minister for Cyber Security, Tony Burke MP

 “We have made historic progress on cyber security but there is always more to do when confronting this evolving threat.

“Our government believes that all Australians have the right to be safe and feel safe, and cyber security is a critical part of that effort.

“We’ve laid excellent foundations with Horizon 1 of the strategy and the passage of the Cyber Security Act – Horizon 2 will continue our progress towards our rightful place as a world leader on cyber security.”