Australia has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national cyber capability with the launch of CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals, a new initiative under the Growing & Professionalising Cyber Security Industry Pilot Program.
The program is co-funded by the Department of Home Affairs and delivered through a consortium led by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in partnership with the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) and the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN).
CyberPath is a core component of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023–2030, designed to lift professional standards, strengthen workforce capability, and create clearer pathways into cyber careers at a time when demand for skilled professionals continues to surge.
The consortium will co-design and trial a national Cyber Security Professionalisation Scheme, including recommended standards and frameworks for skills, qualifications, and career progression. The pilot will work directly with industry to define expectations for accredited cyber professionals and create a scalable model that can grow with national demand.
The pilot will also deliver:
- Guidance for industry on skills and competency expectations
- Evaluation of the pilot scheme’s effectiveness
- A plan to scale participation and adoption
- An independent, sustainable funding model that avoids adding barriers to entry for new cyber professionals
ACS CEO Josh Griggs said building a more structured, skilled and recognised cyber workforce is critical to resilience:
“With threats evolving faster than ever, we must clearly define roles, skills, and career pathways for the cyber workforce. This consortium is working closely with industry and the entire ecosystem to build a rigorous framework and a pilot model that will help close the gap in cyber capability, recognition and professionalisation to keep Australia safe.”
Ian Oppermann, Chair of the Growing and Professionalising Cyber Security Program Steering Committee, added:
“Cyber security is a forever challenge. The consortium is helping to professionalise Australia’s cybersecurity workforce and grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.”
AISA Chair Michael Burchell said the initiative recognises the trust placed in cyber practitioners:
“We are proud to represent the voice of our members and all cyber practitioners in the design and delivery of this pilot scheme.”
Aus3C Interim CEO Guy Roberts said the pilot is an important opportunity to shape the future of the sector:
“Aus3C is delighted to be a Consortium Partner in this industry-shaping program. We look forward to playing our part and reflecting the views of our members.”
AWSN Founder and CEO Jacqui Loustau emphasised the importance of inclusion in professionalisation efforts:
“AWSN’s participation is consultative, and we are committed to ensuring that all efforts are inclusive by design and reflect the diverse pathways into our sector.”
The consortium will now begin industry consultation to define the challenges and shape the final design of the national pilot. The goal is to deliver a modern, inclusive and highly skilled cyber workforce capable of supporting Australia’s digital economy and national resilience for decades to come.