17 November 2023

Julie Collins MP  

Minister for Housing  

Minister for Homelessness  

Minister for Small Business 

Clare O’Neil MP
Minister for Home Affairs
Minister for Cyber Security

Kristy McBain MP

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Labor Government will empower small businesses in Eden-Monaro to bolster their cyber security resilience and ability to recover from a cyber attack with the forthcoming 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The strategy provides support for small and medium businesses that are more vulnerable to the impacts of cyber incidents and will be critical to businesses in Eden-Monaro.

The Albanese Labor Government is committing $7.2 million to establish a voluntary cyber health-check program will allow businesses to undertake a free, tailored self-assessment of their cyber security maturity.  

Businesses across Eden-Monaro can use this health-check to determine the strength of their cyber security measures, and access educational tools and materials they need to upskill.   

Small and medium businesses with higher risk exposure will also be able to access a more sophisticated, third-party assessment to provide additional security across national supply chains.  

The Albanese Labor Government will also invest $11 million in the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service which will provide one-on-one assistance to help small businesses navigate their cyber challenges, including walking them through the steps to recover from a cyber attack.   

This commitment to cyber security is vital to our security and economic prosperity, especially for Eden-Monaro’s 4,822 small businesses. 

For more information visit: https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/essential-cyber-security/protecting-your-business-and-employees/test-your-cyber-security

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil: 

"We understand the challenges that small businesses face in the complex world of cyber security, but they are not on their own. The Australian Government’s cyber security strategy will make sure the support is available to help them understand and improve their own cyber security. 

“The strategy is underpinned by six cyber shields, with Strong businesses and citizens at the core of these shields. Uplifting the cyber security of our small businesses is integral to a cyber secure and resilient nation, and this dedicated support will make a huge difference in their preparedness and resilience.” 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins: 

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy and the foundation for Australia’s digital economy, making up 97% of all Australian businesses.   

That’s why the Albanese Government will continue to put them at the centre of our efforts to tackle cyber security threats and help uplift their cyber capabilities to create a stronger Australia.

It’s just one way we’re working to improve the resilience of Australia’s small businesses.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“Small businesses are the heart of our Eden-Monaro communities and the Government’s Cyber Security Strategy aims to give them specialised support and protect them from threats”.

“We know that cyber attacks can cause serious financial and reputational damage to businesses of all sizes.

“Small businesses in Eden-Monaro have already suffered following Covid, bushfires and natural disasters. This is another way we can support our businesses by keeping them safe from cyber security threats.”