Australia's budget boosts cybersecurity & digital identity

The recent Federal budget has drawn significant attention for its focused efforts on enhancing data security and digital identity management, reflecting a strategic pivot towards strengthening the digital infrastructure of the nation.

Commvault's Vice President for APAC, Martin Creighan, highlighted the importance of the budget's focus on ICT technology, data security, and combating digital threats. Creighan remarked that the budget initiatives aimed at combating scams, reinforcing the safety of digital identities, and upgrading security systems in government departments could create substantial opportunities for data security and technology companies. Highlighting the prevalent issue, he pointed out that 62% of Australian organisations had experienced at least one cyber-attack in the past year, according to Commvault's research. Emphasising the comprehensive approach of the budget, Creighan praised the allocation of AUD $39.9 million over five years to develop AI policies and establish a National AI Centre and an advisory body, a move seen as bolstering Australia's digital future.

The budget also included significant investments targeted at improving cybersecurity within the Australian Federal Government, with increased spending for bodies such as the ATO, Department of Foreign Affairs, and ASIC. The focus on cyber resilience and data sovereignty was noted as providing a robust foundation for partnerships between government agencies and private sectors, especially for companies that have achieved IRAP certification.

Similarly, Angus McDougall, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan at Entrust, responded positively to the budget's allocation of AUD $288.1 million over four years for a Digital ID platform. McDougall underscored the crucial nature of treating citizen identity as critical infrastructure, suggesting that robust privacy and security standards should be applied. He advocated for integrating biometric verification and adaptive authentication technologies to enhance the security and effectiveness of digital identity systems, essential for the delivery of seamless services across both public and private sectors. Despite this enthusiastic support for digital identities, McDougall stressed the importance of accommodating diverse user preferences, indicating that a balanced approach offering both digital and physical identity credentials would be essential to ensuring inclusivity.

Natascha Trivisas, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at Citizen ID Solutions, HID, echoed similar sentiments about the budget's emphasis on digital IDs. She acknowledged the significant push for Australians to recognise and embrace digital IDs amid the country's broader transition into a digital and smart future. Trivisas highlighted the convenience and security benefits of digital IDs for various government-issued credentials and everyday applications, consistent with modern usage patterns like mobile transactions and digital identity verification. According to HID's recent research, the adoption of digital IDs is on the rise globally, and the firm expects this trend to reflect similarly in Australia, driven by government initiatives and public adoption.

The Albanese Labor Government's "Future Made in Australia" plan was also notable for its substantial investments in science, technology, and education aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing the country's economic and industrial prospects. This comprehensive strategy includes a wide range of initiatives, such as AUD $3.2 billion over the next decade for commercialising net-zero technologies, AUD $466.4 million for building quantum computing capabilities, and AUD $17.1 million for advancing the National Hydrogen Strategy. Additionally, significant funding has been designated to improve the training infrastructure, support diversity in STEM fields, and enhance renewable energy project approvals.