Cyber chief Alastair MacGibbon resigns

Senior public servant Alastair MacGibbon has resigned two weeks out from the election.

Alastair MacGibbon has resigned. Picture: Kym Smith

Senior public servant Alastair MacGibbon, who heads the government’s cyber security strategy, has resigned two weeks out from the federal election.

The revelation, which The Australian understands the government was due to announce tomorrow, comes days after the Coalition’s point man at the top of the National Disability Insurance Agency Rob De Luca resigned suddenly.

Mr MacGibbon has an extensive resume in the public service, having been appointed the country’s first eSafety commissioner to change online behaviour and crack down on cyber-bullying before becoming head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre and national cyber security adviser.

Government sources said Mr MacGibbon was leaving on amicable terms and it was simply the right time in the electoral cycle.

It is understood Australian Signals Director director-general Mike Burgess told staff Mr MacGibbon had been the “face” of cyber security and paid tribute to his service.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said Mr MacGibbon was “one of the best in the business”.

“He has made a decision to move from the public service to the private sector,” Mr Dutton confirmed. “I have worked very closely with Alastair over a long period of time and have the utmost respect for his professionalism and expertise. I wish him every success in the next stage of his professional life.”

In his role Mr MacGibbon worked with the government, private sector, academia and non-governmental organisations to bolster the country’s national cyber security capacity and capability.

The former Australian Federal Police agent was also a founding director of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre.

Multiple sources have told The Australian Mr MacGibbon would enter the private sector.

Mr MacGibbon, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Signals Directorate have been contacted for comment.