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The Department of Defence has released a brief statement, citing “a workplace matter”, while deputy secretary of cyber and infrastructure security Hamish Hansford will now take up the role.
Australia’s first national cyber security coordinator has been suddenly recalled to Defence and will no longer be responsible for the role.
Defence released a brief statement to the media today (15 November).
“National cyber security coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie, AM, CSC, has been recalled to Defence to deal with a workplace matter related to his time in Defence. He is currently on leave. While the matter is under consideration, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the Defence statement said.
“The welfare of our people remains our priority, and it is requested that Air Marshal Goldie’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Defence has not provided any further information.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office has released a separate statement.
“The Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security has been informed that Air Marshal Darren Goldie has been recalled to Defence,” the statement read.
“Department of Home Affairs deputy secretary of cyber and infrastructure security Hamish Hansford will act as national cyber security coordinator in the interim.”
At the time of writing, while Air Marshal Goldie is still listed as the national cyber security coordinator on the Australian government directory website – which was last updated on 8 November – his image has been removed from the National Cyber Security Coordinator LinkedIn account.
Air Marshal Goldie’s last tweet in the role was made on 13 November, when he welcomed the results of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) Spotlight on Cyber report.
The role of national cyber security coordinator was created in June 2023.
We will update this article as more information comes to hand.
UPDATE 16/11/23: The Australian is reporting that Air Marshall Goldie was recalled directly by Defence Force chief General Angus Campbell over a "complaint over alleged past behaviour" that was first reported over a week ago.
Shadow Minister for Cyber Security and Home Affairs Senator James Patterson told The Australian that Goldie's “incredibly abrupt departure” is a cause for concern.
“We are in an extremely heightened cyber threat environment and the government promised we would have a co-ordinator to manage our response,” Senator Paterson said.
“They must swiftly resolve any issues relating to Air Marshal Goldie or appoint a permanent replacement.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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