The Executive Cyber Council (the Council) plays a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s strategic approach to cyber resilience. Chaired by the Minister for Cyber Security, the Council brings together senior representatives from government, civil society, peak bodies, and private sector companies across critical sectors such as banking, retail, telecommunications, transport and technology. Through regular meetings and collaborative activities, the Council has fostered strategic insights, coordinated national cyber shields and advanced public-private partnerships, ensuring diverse perspectives inform Australia’s cyber resilience efforts.
The Council was established in November 2023 as a key initiative under Horizon 1 of the Cyber Security Strategy (the Strategy) and plays an important role in facilitating genuine and transparent co-leadership with industry on key cyber security issues.
Its achievements include the creation of 4 working groups focused on priority areas: cyber workforce development, sovereign cyber capability, emerging technology, and small and medium business resilience. Notably, the Council facilitated the Cyber Workforce Summit, which informed the development of the Australian Cyber Workforce Playbook, and launched the Stop the Hack campaign to empower small businesses.
In accordance with the Council’s Terms of Reference, the National Cyber Security Coordinator undertook a review to assess the Council’s effectiveness and impact on uplifting national cyber security in the context of Horizon 1 of the Strategy. The review was conducted between August and October 2025 and was informed by survey responses received from 19 of the 31 Council members. Responses noted that the Council is effective, having a positive impact on the uplift of national cyber security and supporting strategic objectives in line with the Strategy. The Review identified 4 recommendations which seek to ensure the Council remains fit-for-purpose and well-positioned to progress national cyber security priorities. All recommendations were endorsed by the Minister for Cyber Security as Chair of the Council.
This Council is ongoing under Horizon 2. An expression of interest process was conducted in early 2026 which determined membership for the second two-year term of the Council. By end Q2 2026, a program of work will be agreed to ensure that the current industry-led working groups are aligned with the objectives of Horizon 2, with the possibility that new industry-led working groups are established.
If you want to strengthen our national cyber posture and contribute to high-level discussions and decisions, please contact NationalCyberSecurityCoordinator@homeaffairs.gov.au.
Other announcements regarding the Council, including future terms and Expressions of Interest will be posted here.
Together, we will build a safer, more secure digital environment for all Australians.