Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, has appointed Brendan Dowling as Australia’s next Ambassador for Cyber Security and Critical Technology.

He replaces Dr Tobias Feakin, who held the role between 2017 and 2022 and announced his departure at the end of last year.

Dowling has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, most recently serving as First Assistant Secretary, Cyber and Critical Technology Coordination Centre within the Department of Home Affairs. He has also served in a senior role within Australia’s Embassy in the United States.

The key task of the Ambassador for Cyber Security and Critical Technology is to lead Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, whilst also delivering cyber capacity building, crisis response, and resilience across the region.

Minister Wong said Dowling would also have a key role in the development of Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy for 2023-2030, which promises to enhance Australia’s role as a trusted and influential global cyber leader.

“The strategy recognises that a whole-of-nation approach to cyber is required and that cyber affairs are an integral element of Australia’s foreign and strategic policy,” the Minister added.

“I thank the former Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Dr Tobias Feakin, for his contribution to advancing Australia’s interests on cyber affairs and critical technology since January 2017.”