MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:25): I use this opportunity to update the house on cybersecurity courses. Building opportunities and supporting partnerships between TAFEs, universities and industry remain a dedicated focus of the Andrews Labor government. Cybersecurity was identified as a major priority of this government, and that is why we introduced the certificate IV in cybersecurity to free TAFE. We responded to industry needs and demands, particularly from the finance sector, and cybersecurity has become one of the most popular courses. We are proud of that.
In 2018 Box Hill Institute launched the Cyber Security Operations Centre, the first dedicated space for cybersecurity training in Australia. Box Hill worked with industry to develop Australia’s first dedicated vocational qualifications as well as the advanced diploma in this specialised area. Box Hill also won the Cybersecurity Educator of the Year award at the Australian Information Security Association awards in 2020.
Many TAFEs and universities across the state work in partnership to support pathways from VET to higher education in this field. Deakin University has partnerships with Box Hill and Chisholm Institute, with pathways to the bachelor of cybersecurity. It is pleasing to note these partnerships, as this is a connected approach that we are driving right across the postsecondary sector. Our $350 million higher education investment fund invested in this industry with the establishment of a cyber defence centre at Deakin University. The Andrews Labor government understands that it is critical to build opportunities for Victorians in this very critical industry.