Australia will have a new top spy next week with Abigail Bradshaw named the new Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council, Ms Bradshaw would start in the role on September 6, succeeding Rachel Noble.
Prime Minister Albanese said Ms Bradshaw had been the Deputy Director-General ASD and Head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) since March 2020.
He said the ACSC was the Australian Government’s technical authority on cyber security.
“It provides an avenue for organisations large and small to partner with Government and adopt a security framework to protect their information technology and operational technology systems, applications, and data from cyber threats,” he said.
Prime Minister Albanese said Ms Bradshaw had played a pivotal role in developing partnerships between Government and industries domestically and internationally.
He said she had led ASD’s response to nationally-significant cyber security incidents and had spearheaded the Government’s cyber security partnership with industry, forging critical partnerships which underpin Australia’s national resilience.
“Ms Bradshaw brings with her a wealth of experience in cyber security, intelligence and Australia’s national security, including roles in the Royal Australian Navy, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
“At a time of increasingly complex geostrategic challenges, Ms Bradshaw’s expertise in both cyber and national security matters will be critically important in leading ASD to continue protecting our nation.”
Ms Bradshaw said the ASD’s focus would remain steadfast on continuing to support the Australian Defence Force, collecting foreign signals intelligence, conducting cyber offensive operations and protecting Australians from cyber threats.”
