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Former Australian Cyber Security Centre head Abigail Bradshaw CSC has been recommended to be appointed as the new Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate.
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Subject to Governor-General approval by the Federal Executive Council, the change will take effect on 6 September as Bradshaw succeeds Rachel Noble PSM.
Bradshaw has served with distinction as Deputy Director-General ASD and head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) since March 2020.
The ACSC is 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.
“It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as the next Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. I look forward to leading the incredible mission-focused team at ASD as we continue to advance Australia’s national interests,” Abigail Bradshaw CSC said.
“ASD’s focus will remain steadfast on continuing our proud history of support to the Australian Defence Force, collecting foreign signals intelligence, conducting cyber offensive operations and protecting Australians from cyber threats.”
Bradshaw has played a pivotal role in developing partnerships between government and industries domestically and internationally. She has led ASD’s response to nationally significant cyber security incidents and has spearheaded the government’s cyber security partnership with industry, forging critical partnerships which underpin Australia’s national resilience.
“I congratulate Abigail Bradshaw on her appointment as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“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.
“Rachel Noble has led ASD with distinction over almost five years and I would like to thank her for her service to our country.”
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.
“Abigail Bradshaw’s experience in cyber, national security, crisis management and incident response uniquely equips her to lead the Australian Signals Directorate as it continues to defend Australia against global threats and advance our nation’s interests,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.
“As head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, Ms Bradshaw has strengthened relationships with cyber security leaders and private network owners in Australia and internationally, including our Five Eyes partners.
“Her appointment demonstrates the Albanese government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our national intelligence community remains at the forefront of global efforts to bolster national defence and security against increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber activity.
“I would like to thank Rachel Noble for her leadership and foresight, which has seen ASD significantly expand its cyber and intelligence capabilities over recent years, including under the REDSPICE program, and I wish her well into the future.”
The government thanked Rachel Noble PSM for her leadership of the Australian Signals Directorate over almost five years. During her time as Director-General, Noble oversaw the growth of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, enabling it to better protect Australian businesses and community, and continued improvements to Australia’s offensive cyber and signals intelligence capabilities.
The first female to head an Australian statutory intelligence agency, Noble also oversaw the development and delivery of ASD’s transformation under the REDSPICE program – the largest ever investment in Australia’s signals intelligence and cyber capability.
A new head of ASD’s ACSC will be appointed in due course.
