Cyber Security (Member of the Cyber Incident Review Board) Appointment (No. 4) 2026

Overview

The Cyber Security (Member of the Cyber Incident Review Board) Appointment (No. 4) 2026I, issued under the authority of Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, serves to appoint Darren Kane as a part-time standing member of the Cyber Incident Review Board for a term of four years commencing on 1 May 2026. This appointment was made in accordance with section 66 of the Cyber Security Act 2024, which aims to bolster the nation’s cyber security infrastructure by ensuring that the Cyber Incident Review Board has the necessary expertise and resources to effectively review and respond to cyber incidents. The enactment of this legislation by the Australian Parliament underscores a commitment to enhancing the nation’s resilience against cyber threats through the strategic appointment of qualified individuals to critical roles within the cyber security framework.

Scope and Application

The ADMIN 26/106 Cyber Security (Member of the Cyber Incident Review Board) Appointment (No. 4) 2026I, made by Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, under section 66 of the Cyber Security Act 2024, pertains to the appointment of Darren Kane as a standing member of the Cyber Incident Review Board on a part-time basis, effective for a period of four years beginning on 1 May 2026. This appointment is a specific administrative action that does not extend to broader legislative application but rather concerns the composition of a statutory body established under the Cyber Security Act 2024. The Act itself applies to various entities, including government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and possibly private sector entities deemed significant to national cyber security, aiming to fortify Australia's cyber resilience. The legislative framework has a national jurisdictional reach, applying across all states and territories of Australia. The Act may include provisions for subordinate instruments that further detail the operations, powers, and duties of the Cyber Incident Review Board, thereby extending or elaborating on the application of the principal Act.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Cyber Security (Member of the Cyber Incident Review Board) Appointment (No. 4) 2026 instrument (F2026N00308) establish the appointment of Darren Kane as a standing member of the Cyber Incident Review Board. Under section 66 of the Cyber Security Act 2024, Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, appoints Darren Kane to this role. Darren Kane's appointment is on a part-time basis and is set to last for a period of four years, commencing on 1 May 2026. This appointment is critical as it ensures that the Cyber Incident Review Board, a body responsible for reviewing cyber incidents, has the requisite expertise and capability to perform its functions effectively. The obligations and requirements imposed on Darren Kane by this appointment are primarily centred around his role within the Cyber Incident Review Board. As a member, Darren Kane is expected to contribute to the board's efforts in reviewing significant cyber incidents, providing expert advice, and ensuring that the board's recommendations and findings are thorough and based on sound analysis. This role demands a high level of expertise in cyber security and incident response, and Darren Kane is expected to bring this to his duties. Additionally, as a part-time member, Darren Kane must balance his responsibilities with his other commitments, ensuring that he can dedicate sufficient time and attention to the board's work without compromising his other professional or personal obligations. The legislation does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of the obligations associated with Darren Kane's appointment. However, it is implied that any failure to fulfil the responsibilities of the role or any misconduct could lead to significant repercussions. Given the critical nature of the Cyber Incident Review Board's work, any breach of duty or failure to perform could potentially undermine the board's effectiveness and the integrity of its reviews and recommendations. Such breaches might lead to the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security considering the termination of Darren Kane's appointment, as well as other potential actions under the broader framework of the Cyber Security Act 2024. While specific penalties are not outlined in this instrument, the potential consequences of not meeting the obligations of the role are significant, potentially impacting national cyber security preparedness and response capabilities.