Today I announce the appointment of Mr Brendan Dowling as Australia's next Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.
Australia's Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology leads Australia's international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity building, crisis response and resilience across our region.
Cyberspace and critical technology is vital to international relations, including national security and international peace and stability, sustainable development, and the protection and realisation of human rights and freedoms.
Mr Dowling will have a key role in the development of Australia's Cyber Security Strategy for 2023-2030, which will enhance our role as a trusted and influential global cyber leader. The strategy recognises that a whole-of-nation approach to cyber is required and that cyber affairs are an integral element of Australia's foreign and strategic policy.
Mr Dowling has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, most recently serving as First Assistant Secretary, Cyber and Critical Technology Coordination Centre within the Department of Home Affairs. Mr Dowling has also served in a senior role in Australia's Embassy in the United States. We are looking forward to Mr Dowling's leadership of this important government priority.
I thank the former Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Dr Tobias Feakin, for his contribution to advancing Australia's interests on cyber affairs and critical technology since January 2017.
