Australian national security official suddenly goes on leave to urgently deal with a ‘workplace matter’

Australia’s National Cyber ​​Security Coordinator has taken a sudden leave of absence to deal with a “workplace matter,” a Department of Defense statement announced Wednesday afternoon.

“Air Marshal Darren Goldie, AM, CSC, has been recalled to Defense to address a workplace matter relating to his time in Defense,” the report said.

‘He is currently on leave. While the matter is pending it would not be appropriate to comment further.

“The well-being of our people remains our priority and it is requested that Air Marshal Goldie’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Cyber ​​Safety Minister Clare O’Neil said she was aware of what is happening.

Hamish Hansford, Deputy Minister for Cyber ​​and Infrastructure Security at the Home Office, will act as National Cyber ​​Security Coordinator in the interim.

Air Marshal Goldie had recently led federal responses to the nationwide shutdown of Optus and the DP’s global cyber attack, which closed ports across the country.

He was only appointed to his position four months ago, but previously had an “extensive 30-year career in the Royal Australian Air Force, which he joined in 1993,” according to the Home Office website.

When he took over the cyber security role in July, Ms O’Neil said it “puts a very important piece of the puzzle into place”.

At the same press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he believed the Air Marshal stood out as “someone with a proven track record of leadership, of the ability to coordinate in the security space of our armed forces.”

Mr Albanese added that he thought Air Marshal Goldie was ‘an excellent choice’ and was ‘very pleased’ with his appointment.

Air Marshal Goldie (pictured) had recently led federal responses to the nationwide shutdown of Optus and the DP world cyber attack that closed ports across the country