- Published:
- Tuesday 26 November 2024
This week Victoria is hosting cyber experts from around the world as the largest annual cyber security conference in the Southern Hemisphere lands in Melbourne – backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins today announced that CyberCon is secured in Melbourne for the next two years – attracting more than 5,000 people to the state for the three-day event.
This year’s conference features over 150 exhibitors and 200 speakers and will support the state’s strong and growing cyber security sector and workforce.
The Labor Government is backing a range of programs to strengthen the state’s cyber economy by getting more women skilled up to join the sector. Currently women make up only 17 per cent of the state’s cyber security workforce.
The Summer of Cyber program, run in partnership with the Australian Women in Security Network, will see more than 40 women and gender diverse students complete a paid studentship over summer.
The Women in Security program, also run by the Australian Women in Security Network, is supporting more than 100 women to transition into cyber careers through training and mentorship.
Women are also entering the sector through the Digital Jobs program, which has helped more than 100 Victorian women to gain qualifications and take part in a cyber security work placement over the past three years.
Victorians keen to work in cyber security can access Free TAFE to gain a Certificate IV in Cyber Security qualification – which is one of the most enrolled courses under the Free TAFE initiative.
The Labor Government’s Cyber Strategy is growing the cyber workforce, creating new jobs, and sets out a 5-year vision for a cyber safe Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins
“We’re bringing the best and brightest minds in cyber security to Victoria for CyberCon, and backing our own growing cyber sector by locking in this event for another two years.”
“More women working in cyber security is growing the sector and making it more diverse – helping us on our road to creating a cyber safe Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams
“Victoria's cyber security sector sits at the heart of our modern economy and underpins the safe and secure delivery of government services. Our Cyber Strategy sets out five year vision for a thriving Victoria that creates a cyber safe place for everyone to work, live and learn.”
Quote attributable to Akash Mittal Chair of the Australian Information Security Association
"Melbourne continues to excel as a global destination for world-class events. By bringing the best minds from around the world to Victoria, we are sparking the innovation needed to drive the future of cyber security."