The Turnbull Government has announced plans to launch Academic Centres of Cyber Security Excellence in the hope of improving Australia’s cyber-security through education and research.

For a cost of A$4.5 million, the Government claims the centres will help address Australia’s shortage of skilled cyber-security professionals.

In a joint statement, Education Minister Simon Birmingham and Dan Tehan, Minister Assisting the PM for Cyber Security, said the centres will produce work-ready graduates to increase Australia’s cyber-security workforce and result in “world-leading” research.