Australia announces $10 billion plan to bolster cyber security in response to China threat

Australia is set to double its cyber security spending, citing the current instability overseas as a genuine threat to regular people Down Under.

Fears over China and instability in Ukraine will see Australia double its cyber security spending, with a $10 billion boost in the next decade.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described the 10-year, $9.9 billion plan as a way to boost “Australia’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities’ as “the biggest ever investment in Australia’s cyber preparedness”.

“The lesson of history is that weakness invites aggression,” he said.

“It leaves nations vulnerable to coercion. This is the reality we must confront. The world is less stable.”

The Government announced the deal was part of its commitment to Australia’s “Five Eyes and AUKUS trilateral partners while supporting a secure Indo-Pacific region”.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said recent attempts at crippling cyber warfare throughout the Ukraine conflict have sparked a renewed focus on building Australia’s defences.

“It acknowledges the nature of conflict has changed, with cyber attacks now commonly preceding other forms of military intervention – most recently demonstrated by offensive cyber activity against Ukraine,” he said.

Mr Dutton said Australia’s massive investment in cyber warfare was reflective of the “deteriorating strategic circumstances in our region, characterised by rapid military expansion, growing coercive behaviour and increased cyber attacks”.

Furthermore, the Australian Signals Directorate will use the extra funding to create a Resilience, Effects, Defence, Space, Intelligence, Cyber and Enablers package, otherwise known as REDSPICE.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivers the budget in the House of Representatives at Parliament House.

The plan will take place over the next decade to 2031 and will generate a further 1,900 jobs.

“Creating 1,900 jobs, more data analysts, computer programmers, and software engineers to boost our capacity to prevent and respond to cyber threats,” Mr Frydenberg continued. “Keeping Australians safe is part of our plan for a stronger future.”

The influx of cash is expected to triple Australia’s effectiveness in the cyber sphere, according to the 2022 Budget papers.

“The package will help ASD to keep pace with the rapid growth of cyber capabilities of potential adversaries, as well as being able to counter attack and protect our most critical systems,” the document read.

“The unprecedented investment will equip ASD with the capabilities to defend Australia in the changing strategic environment.”

Mr Frydenberg did not directly reference the threat of China.

The Treasurer also told Australians the current budget is all about “putting more money in the pockets” of millions of Australians struggling with higher prices for petrol, groceries and medicines.

The 10-year, $9.9 billion plan as a way to boost ‘Australia’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities’ as ‘the biggest ever investment in Australia’s cyber preparedness’.

The new scheme is expected to triple Australia’s strengths in the cyber sphere.

As war rages in Ukraine, communities struggle to rebuild after devastating floods, and the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt global supply chains amid fresh lockdowns in China, the Treasurer has headlined his pre-election budget with billions of dollars worth of sweeteners as part of a major cost-of-living package.

“Events abroad are pushing up the cost of living at home,” Mr Frydenberg said in his budget speech on Tuesday night.

“Higher fuel, food and shipping costs are increasing inflation and stretching household budgets. Tonight the Morrison Government announces a new temporary, targeted and responsible cost-of-living package to ease these pressures. Practical measures that will make a difference.”

Mr Frydenberg said the measures were “delivering cheaper fuel, cheaper medicines and putting more money in the pockets of millions of Australians”.