AustCyber has launched the Tasmania Cyber Security Innovation Node, the latest addition to its national network of cyber security innovation nodes, which aims to accelerate cyber capability development and innovation across the country.
The launch was held on January 29 at the Enterprize Macquarie House in Launceston. In attendance were the Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer, and Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for State Growth, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Science and Technology, and Leader of the House.
The project is jointly funded by AustCyber – the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network – and the Tasmanian Government, with Enterprize Tasmania as the delivery partner.
The launch was followed by a panel discussion featuring top figures in Australian cyber security – Fiona Turner (co-founder of Bitwise Agronomy, president of Startup Tasmania, senior consultant at Nukon), Mike Cruse (founder and CEO of Definium Technologies), Jeffrey Hawkins (managing director of Pivot Maritime International), and Malcolm Layton (co-founder of Fortify Edge).
According to AustCyber, cyber security is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. Global spending on cyber security products and services is expected to increase by 88% over the next eight years, from around US$145 billion today to almost US$270 billion in 2026.
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Meanwhile, Australia’s external spending on cyber security products and services grew by 8% to $3.9 billion. While Australia’s cyber security sector is still developing, there is the potential to capture a significant share of the growing global cyber security market, AustCyber said.
“The Tasmania Node will have a particular focus on driving national strategy in the smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) and marine technology sectors,” said Casey Farrell, Tasmania Cyber Security Innovation Node manager. “Growth in the sector locally will attract business investment, create employment opportunities and support Australia’s national security through development of advanced cyber security capability.”
“We are humbled by the industry and community support at the launch today and excited about the opportunities unfolding for the cyber security sector in Tasmania,” Farrell added.
