Australia's telecommunications networks will be better protected from today with the commencement of the Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR).
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said the reforms recognise the shared responsibility between Government and the telecommunications industry for ensuring the security of this critical infrastructure.
"The security and resilience of our telecommunication networks is vital to the social and economic well-being of the nation," Mr Dutton said.
"This Government recognises the increasing threat of interference from malicious actors, such as cyber intrusions.
"That's why we have introduced a requirement for carriers and carriage service providers to do their best to protect their networks from unauthorised access and interference, and why we have formalised information sharing between industry and Government."
The TSSR is introduced through the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which commences today.
The legislation includes a requirement for carriers to notify the Department of Home Affairs of proposed changes to their telecommunications networks and services that may have national security implications.
"Key to the effectiveness of the reforms will be the early notification by industry of any security concerns, so that Government agencies can help industry assess risks and cooperate with them on mitigation," Mr Dutton said.
"I thank the telecommunications industry for their continued collaboration in securing Australia's telecommunications networks and facilities."
