Online safety, cyber security, privacy and consumer protection boost welcome in Federal Budget

The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) congratulates the Australian Government on the delivery of the federal budget, and its important funding commitments toward online safety, cyber security, privacy and consumer protection, which are top priorities for DIGI and its members.

DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose said: 

“The breadth of today’s digital ecosystem requires relevant regulators to be extremely well resourced to address the scale of challenges online, which is why increases in funding for the OAIC and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner are welcome and important.

“With the essential reform of the Privacy Act underway, it is crucial that the OAIC has the resources to both enforce and enhance privacy capability economy-wide.  

“Recent data breaches have underscored the importance of strong communication channels between industry and Government after cyber security incidents, and we’re pleased to see funding for the new National Office for Cyber Security to lead those efforts.

“DIGI welcomes the continuation of funding for the new National Anti-Scams Centre, that we hope will deepen public-private and cross-sectoral relationships to aid in addressing, mitigating and increasing consumer education of scams.

“The Government’s focus on community education about online harms is an extremely important complement to industry approaches on these complex issues. We welcome the support of media literacy in culturally and linguistically diverse communities about misinformation, as well as the focus on education programs delivered through eSafety.” 

For media enquiries, please contact press@digi.org.au