The recent Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2024 highlighted an increased focus on cybersecurity and information technology cooperation between the two allies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the United States and Australia have committed to strengthening their joint efforts to combat malicious cyber activities.
A key development is Australia’s endorsement of the United States’ Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to enhance the allies’ capabilities in identifying and countering disinformation campaigns and other forms of digital manipulation.
The talks also addressed the growing concern over cyber incidents affecting Pacific governments and institutions. Both nations pledged to support cyber resilience in the Pacific, including through the implementation of cloud and other trusted information and communications technology systems. The recent collaboration in responding to a cyber incident in Palau serves as a model for future engagements with other Pacific island countries.
On the legislative front, the principals welcomed Australia’s Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act, set to commence on 1 September 2024. This legislation, coupled with complementary US measures, is expected to facilitate billions of dollars in secure license-free defence trade between the partner countries.
The joint statement emphasised the commitment to expose, deter, and respond to malicious cyber activities by both nation-states and cybercriminal actors. This includes the use of joint attributions, technical advisories, and sanctions when appropriate. Notably, the US congratulated Australia on its inaugural use of autonomous cyber sanctions to promote accountability for Russian cybercriminals.
In the realm of emerging technologies, both nations stressed the importance of developing and using critical technologies like Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum information science in ways that are safe, secure, and trustworthy. They committed to strengthening cooperation on these priority technologies to support rules-based development and to accelerate the reciprocal flow of talent and capital between the two countries.
For a full reading of the media release, see here.
