Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch is responsible for the development of Australian Government policy relating to the protection of Australia's critical infrastructure.
The branch’s key responsibilities include developing national critical infrastructure policy and coordinating critical infrastructure policies between all levels of government. The branch also provides oversight of the Trusted Information Sharing Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection (TISN) which facilitates cooperation between business and government on critical infrastructure protection issues. Further information about the TISN is available from www.tisn.gov.au.
The Critical Infrastructure Policy Section provides guidance and advice on key critical infrastructure issues and strategies. It is responsible for developing and maintaining the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Strategy. It works with the National Counter-Terrorism Committee and State and Territory governments to refine and coordinate critical infrastructure roles and responsibilities. The section also provides secretariat support to several TISN advisory groups.
The Major Projects Section is responsible for managing the Critical Infrastructure Protection Modelling and Analysis Program. This is a computer based capability used to identify and analyse the relationships and dependencies between critical infrastructures, and the consequences of infrastructure failure. The program relies on the support and information of business and government.
The National Security Business Partnerships Section is responsible for communicating the work of CIP Branch and the TISN to all key stakeholders. It facilitates relationships between Australian Government agencies and all TISN stakeholders. The section also provides secretariat support to the Critical Infrastructure Advisory Council and the Business Government Advisory Group on National Security.
The Branch also promotes resilience among critical infrastructure owners and operators and other businesses. ‘Resilient’ organisations are ones that can continue to meet their key organisational objectives when faced by major challenges of all types, including natural disasters, crime, equipment failures or even terrorist attack.
Resilient organisations take a holistic approach, using a range of methodologies including risk management, emergency management and continuity management to help them survive turbulent times