LEGISLATION that aims to safeguard 165 critical national infrastructure assets in the electricity, gas, water and ports sectors has come into force.
The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 introduces new measures that are aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to mitigate risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion in the electricity, gas, ports and water sectors.
The Act establishes a register of the country’s highest-risk infrastructure assets, including information on asset ownership, access and control, and enhances the capability of the Critical Infrastructure Centre.
Additionally, the Act hands Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton the power to take action where a risk could not otherwise be mitigated.
Mr Dutton said the act was an essential step to safeguard Australia’s critical infrastructure from the increasingly complex national security risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion.
“While foreign involvement in Australia’s infrastructure and economy is welcomed, it does mean our critical infrastructure assets are potentially more exposed than ever,” Mr Dutton said.
“The Act establishes a register, providing government visibility of who owns and controls the highest-risk critical assets and is based on public consultations involving more than 300 owners and operators and state governments.”
Article Credit of – The Daily Cargo News – Ian Ackerman; July 13, 2018