Improving the inclusivity and diversity of the cyber security workforce is imperative for the sector to reach its full potential. Beyond attracting more women and underrepresented cohorts into the cyber security sector, employers also have a role in fostering a workplace culture that is genuinely inclusive and embraces diversity. The cyber security sector needs to retain diverse talent to take advantage of a much wider spectrum of cyber skillsets, experiences and capabilities. Industry has also identified inconsistencies across the Australian cyber security sector in meeting global cyber workforce standards. The absence of a national standard for cyber skills means employers lack assurance that the workforce is appropriately trained and that their qualifications are fit for purpose. To meet future cyber workforce needs, we need to transform our digital skills pipeline. How the Government will take action The Australian Government recognises that our cyber security workforce will constitute the foundation for sustained growth in the domestic cyber ecosystem. We will take immediate steps to foster a stronger, more diverse cyber security workforce – while providing businesses with greater confidence in the qualifications of cyber professionals. Under this initiative, the Government will: 1. Grow and expand Australia’s skills pipeline The Australian Government has already commenced delivery of reforms to support and grow a more effective education and training system that will address Australia’s digital and cyber security workforce needs. The newly established Jobs and Skills Australia and the Jobs and Skills Councils will work together to identify and meet future workforce needs, while also providing industry with a stronger voice, to deliver the best outcomes for learners and employers. This will include assessing workforce needs for cyber security skills. The Government has taken steps to progress interventions at every stage of the skills pipeline. To encourage young people to pursue careers in the cyber workforce, learning cyber skills needs to start in primary and secondary school. The Government will continue to integrate cyber security teaching within Australian primary and secondary school education, in line with recent changes to the Australian Curriculum. The Government is also making targeted investments at the graduate level by providing additional higher education Commonwealth Supported Places to support priority workforces, including in cyber, information technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related fields. Migration reforms will complement domestic skills pipeline initiatives to attract talent and make Australia a destination of choice for global cyber experts. The Government’s Migration Strategy will establish a clear set of objectives for the migration system, bolstering our commitment to better coordination and integration of migration with the Australian labour market and training and education systems. A new global outreach capability and re-energised local outreach network will allow us to access critical talent pools and put Australia back in competition with other countries for the highly skilled migrants we need. 48 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy