Queensland appoints defence expert to boost cybersecurity

The Queensland Government has appointed a strategic advisor to strengthen its engagement with the defence sector in the increasingly crucial field of cybersecurity.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said Major General Stephen (Steve) Day AM DSC (Retired) will develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with key stakeholders through all stages of the development of cybersecurity projects.

“Major General Day’s extensive leadership of cybersecurity in the defence sector will be drawn upon to promote and represent the Palaszczuk government’s policies and programs in this critical area, and Queensland’s defence industries at state, national and international forums,” Dick said.

“From 2013 to 2015, Major General Day was the senior executive responsible for the establishment and leadership of Australia’s National Cyber Centre as well as the Australian Government’s most sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities.

“He is currently a senior executive advisor with professional services firm Price Waterhouse Coopers on cybersecurity and leadership.”

Major General Day served in the Australian Army for 35 years in Africa, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, before leaving the Army in 2015 as a Major General.

Major General Day said the increasing interconnectedness of both defence and civilian technology meant that cybersecurity was more important than ever.

“As the communication and technological systems we rely on become more complex and engrained in our lives, it becomes more important than ever to secure them,” he said.

“There’s a real opportunity for Queensland to become a leading Australian player in the cybersecurity field, and that’s an opportunity to create the kinds of knowledge-based, high-value jobs that the Queensland Government is supporting.”

Dick said the cybersecurity strategic advisor appointment comes in the wake of the appointment of three other strategic defence advisors.

“Our Air, Land and Sea advisors provide high-level advice to the department and identify project opportunities, including those in the defence and aerospace industries pipeline, and assist to attract projects in these sectors to Queensland,” he said.

“Attracting defence projects means attracting more high-value jobs of the future for Queenslanders, which grows both the industry and our state’s economy.

“Our state is already reaping the benefits of securing the LAND 400 Phase 2 contract and the 450 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs for Queenslanders and $1 billion injection to the state’s economy that come with that landmark deal.

“Queensland as a location offers plenty of advantages to modern defence projects, and we are fast cementing our reputation as Australia’s frontline for defence industries.

“Add to this the strategic support and guidance of our experienced and highly regarded defence advisors and Queensland is catapulting to a prime position to capitalise on plenty more defence industry opportunities to come.”

The advisors are engaged on a part-time basis and will play an important role in the new Minister’s Council on Defence Industry and Jobs and across the North and South Queensland Defence Advisory Boards.

All four appointments support the Palaszczuk government’s Defence and Aerospace 10-year industry roadmaps, released last month.

“The roadmaps and accompanying action plans are guiding how industry and the government can work together to develop these industries over the next 10 years,” Dick said.

Image courtesy Price Waterhouse Coopers.

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