New Australian Signals Directorate boss appointed

Abigail Bradshaw is the new Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), promoted from the deputy’s role to replace Rachel Noble, who has left the top job after almost five years.

Ms Bradshaw has served as Deputy Director-General of ASD and Head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) since March 2020.

The ACSC is the Australian Government’s technical authority on cyber security. It provides an avenue for organisations large and small to partner with the government and adopt a security framework to protect their information technology and operational technology systems, applications and data from cyber threats.

Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on Monday (26 August), saying the changeover will take effect on 6 September this year.

“I congratulate Abigail Bradshaw on her appointment as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate,” the Prime Minister said.

“At a time of increasingly complex geostrategic challenges, Ms Bradshaw’s expertise in both cyber and national security matters will be critically important in leading ASD to continue protecting our nation.

“Rachel Noble has led ASD with distinction over almost five years and I would like to thank her for her service to our country.”

Mr Albanese said Ms Bradshaw has played a pivotal role in developing partnerships between government and industries domestically and internationally.

She has led ASD’s response to nationally significant cyber security incidents and has spearheaded the government’s cyber security partnership with industry, forging critical partnerships that underpin Australia’s national resilience.

“Ms Bradshaw brings with her a wealth of experience in cyber security, intelligence and Australia’s national security, including roles in the Royal Australian Navy, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Immigration and Border Protection,” Mr Albanese said.

Ms Noble was the first female to head an Australian statutory intelligence agency, and she oversaw the development and delivery of ASD’s transformation under the REDSPICE program – the largest-ever investment in Australia’s signals intelligence and cyber capability.

During her time as Director-General, Ms Noble oversaw the growth of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, enabling it to better protect Australian businesses and the community, and continued improvements to Australia’s offensive cyber and signals intelligence capabilities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles lauded Ms Bradshaw as the perfect candidate to replace Ms Noble as Director-General.

“Abigail Bradshaw’s experience in cyber, national security, crisis management and incident response uniquely equips her to lead the Australian Signals Directorate as it continues to defend Australia against global threats and advance our nation’s interests,” he said.

“As Head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, Ms Bradshaw has strengthened relationships with cyber security leaders and private network owners in Australia and internationally, including our Five Eyes partners.

“Her appointment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our national intelligence community remains at the forefront of global efforts to bolster national defence and security against increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber activity.

“I would like to thank Rachel Noble for her leadership and foresight, which has seen ASD significantly expand its cyber and intelligence capabilities over recent years, including under the REDSPICE program, and I wish her well into the future.”

Ms Bradshaw has expressed her delight at the appointment and her commitment to continuing the excellent work of the ASD.

“It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as the next Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate,” she said.

“I look forward to leading the incredible mission-focused team at ASD as we continue to advance Australia’s national interests.

“ASD’s focus will remain steadfast on continuing our proud history of support to the Australian Defence Force, collecting foreign signals intelligence, conducting cyber offensive operations and protecting Australians from cyber threats.”

A new head of ASD’s ACSC will be appointed in due course.