Mystery as Australia’s cyber-security boss is replaced over a ‘workplace matter’ – months after he was appointed in triumphant Anthony Albanese press conference

A new cybersecurity chief has been appointed months after his predecessor was sent back to Defense over a yet-to-be-disclosed “employment matter”.

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness will take over as National Cyber ​​Security Coordinator on Monday after Air Marshal Darren Goldie was called in to deal with a matter from his time in Defense in November.

Ms McGuinness will lead and coordinate Australia’s national cybersecurity policy, government preparedness and responses to events such as data breaches and major hacking incidents.

Goldie was appointed the first cyber security tsar in June to high praise from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil.

He would only last four months in the role after the Department of Home Affairs revealed he would no longer act as cybersecurity chief while the “labour issue” at Defense is addressed.

Ms McGuiness served in the Australian Defense Force for 30 years before taking up a role at the United States Defense Intelligence Agency as deputy director of Commonwealth integration.

It also played a role in Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic by supporting whole-of-government counterproliferation initiatives such as Australia’s Strategic Health Intelligence capability.

Ms McGuiness will be Australia’s second National Cyber ​​Security Coordinator, following Under Secretary Hamish Hansford, who served as acting coordinator.

Goldie was named the inaugural head of cybersecurity in June after an “extensive 30-year career in the Royal Australian Air Force”.

Albanese said Goldie was “an exceptional choice” and he was “very pleased” with her appointment during a press conference at the time.

He went on to describe him as “someone who had a proven track record of leadership, of being able to coordinate across the security space.”

At the same press conference, O’Neil said Goldie was “a really important piece of the puzzle that’s being put into place.”

Shortly after her appointment, Goldie revealed that Russian hackers stole “sensitive personal and government information” in an attack on law firm HWL Ebsworth in April.

He also led the federal response to the national Optus shutdown and the DP World cyberattack that closed ports across the country.

Goldie resigned from the position just four months after her appointment, a week after the “labor matter” escalated.

Defense Minister Richard Marles and Ms O’Neil were informed that the Air Marshall must be returned before he can be dealt with under the ADF disciplinary system.

“He is currently on leave,” a Defense Department spokesperson said at the time.

‘While the matter is being examined, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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