Mystery as Australia’s cyber-security boss is replaced over a ‘workplace matter’ – months after he was appointed in triumphant Anthony Albanese press conference
Months after her predecessor was sent back to Defense over a yet-to-be-disclosed ‘workplace issue’, a new cyber security boss has been appointed.
Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness will step into the role of National Cyber-Security Coordinator on Monday after Air Marshal Darren Goldie was recalled to deal with a case from his time at Defense in November.
Ms McGuinness will lead and coordinate Australia’s national cyber security policy, government preparedness and responses to events such as data breaches and major hacking incidents.
Mr Goldie was appointed the country’s first cyber security czar in June, with high praise from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Secretary Claire O’Neil.
He would take up the role just four months after the Home Office revealed he would no longer act as cyber security chief while the ‘workplace issue’ at Defense is dealt with.
Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness (pictured) has been announced as Australia’s new cyber security chief after her predecessor was removed over a ‘workplace issue’
Ms McGuiness served in the Australian Defense Force for 30 years before taking on a role at the United States Defense Intelligence Agency as Deputy Director for Commonwealth Integration.
She also played a role in Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic by supporting whole-of-government counter-proliferation initiatives such as Australia’s Strategic Health Intelligence capability.
Ms McGuiness will become Australia’s second national cyber security coordinator, following Deputy Secretary Hamish Hansford, who served as acting coordinator.
Mr Goldie was appointed as the inaugural cyber security chief in June after an “extensive 30-year career in the Royal Australian Air Force”.
Mr Albanese said Mr Goldie was “an excellent choice” and was “very pleased” with his appointment at the time, speaking at a press conference.
He went on to describe him as “someone with a proven track record of leadership and the ability to coordinate across the security space.”
At the same press conference, Ms O’Neil said Mr Goldie was “a very important piece of the puzzle being put into place”.
Shortly after his appointment, Mr Goldie revealed that “sensitive personal and government information” had been stolen by Russian hackers in an attack on law firm HWL Ebsworth in April.
Air Marshal Darren Goldie (pictured) was recalled to Defense in November to deal with the case and was in turn forced to relinquish his role after just four months.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Secretary Claire O’Neil (all pictured) both had glowing recommendations for Mr Goldie during his appointment in June
He also led the federal response to the nationwide shutdown of Optus and the DP World cyber attack that closed ports across the country.
Mr Goldie resigned from the role just four months after his appointment, within a week of the ‘workplace issue’ escalating.
Defense Secretary Richard Marles and Ms O’Neil were both told the Air Marshall must be returned before he can be dealt with under the ADF’s disciplinary system.
“He is currently on leave,” a Defense Department spokesperson said at the time.
“While the matter is pending it would be inappropriate 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.”