Cyber professionals urged to have their say on workforce future

1 April 2026 - For immediate release

Momentum is building behind efforts to strengthen Australia's cyber workforce, with the CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals program with a national consultation series underway to help shape how the profession is recognised, supported and developed.

Cyber security professionals, employers, educators and aspiring practitioners are being urged to take part before the first national survey closes on 9 April.

In a significant development for the initiative, The Hon Kate Jones has accepted the invitation to Chair the CyberPath Steering Committee. Ms Jones brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience and served for more than eight years as a Queensland Government minister across portfolios including education, innovation and major events.

After launching in 2025, CyberPath is now entering a broader industry engagement phase. The federally supported initiative is being delivered by a consortium comprising the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), and the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C).

Ms Jones said broad participation would be critical to ensuring CyberPath delivers meaningful outcomes for both the profession and the nation.

"CyberPath is a national initiative designed to strengthen and professionalise Australia's cyber security workforce," Ms Jones said.

"This is an important opportunity for cyber professionals, employers, educators and emerging talent to help shape a stronger future for the sector."

ACS President Beau Tydd said the consultation was an opportunity for those working in and around cyber security to directly influence the future of the profession.

"Cyber security is fundamental to Australia's economic resilience, national security and digital future," Mr Tydd said.

"To build a stronger profession, we need input from the people doing the work, hiring talent, training the next generation and navigating these pathways firsthand."

The consultation forms part of CyberPath's broader engagement process, including town hall sessions and stakeholder engagement designed to test ideas and gather feedback.

Participants can share their views in the first round of consultation here: https://surveyv8.humanlistening.com/survey/4db6a325-a25b-4d2a-a921-2283b2e3bbba

The full CyberPath townhall calendar and registration details are available at: https://cyberpath.acs.org.au/

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Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M - 0417 173 740
E - [email protected]

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia's technology sector, representing over 41,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation's highest growth sector. Visit https://www.acs.org.au for more information.

About AISA

The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) is Australia's cyber security peak body, representing over 14,000 members. As a non-profit organisation, AISA works to advance the digital security and safety of Australians and Australia though advocacy, thought-leadership, education, information, and training. As the nationally recognised peak body for cyber security professionals, AISA continually develops and supports the workforce that underpins the nation's cyber security. Our vision is a safer digital world for all Australians. We are on a mission to help Australians understand their role in cyber security and know how to protect themselves.

About Aus3C

The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) is Australia's collaboration partner of choice in the cyber security sector, representing members across Australia. Aus3C's members work in education, industry, government and across the community delivering services demanding the highest levels of cyber security. Aus3C works to build the cyber resilience of its members with advice, training, events and collaboration, for members' own benefit and also for the wider community. As an independent, member-owned, national organisation, Aus3C is a vital contributor to Australia's cyber uplift. Visit http://www.cybercollaboration.org.au

About AWSN

The Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to educating and empowering women and girls in security. We aim to increase their representation and retention across the security community by fostering connection, confidence, and capability.

Through events, mentorship, education, and advocacy, we connect, support and inspire women at every stage of their journey - acting as role models and providing access to the tools, knowledge, networks, and platforms needed to succeed.

We believe that the complexity and diversity of today's security threats demand equally diverse perspectives. Our network thrives on bringing together different minds and experiences to strengthen Australia's security landscape. Visit https://www.awsn.org.au