The McGowan Government has today strengthened its partnership with Microsoft, ensuring Western Australia’s cyber security capabilities are world-leading.
As part of the US Mission, Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson has secured an in-principle agreement to vary the Microsoft Common Use Arrangement (CUA) with WA in a further boost to the State’s cyber security capabilities.
A cyber security Memorandum of Understanding between Microsoft and the Office of Digital Government signed in 2020 assisted the McGowan Government to launch the world’s first whole-of-government Security Operations Centre (SOC).
Under the CUA variation proposal, the State’s Enterprise License Agreement will be upgraded from E3+ to E5. The advanced products assist with identifying threats across multiple government environments using standardised tools which also assist with training at scale and establishing a knowledge base for threat intelligence and data sharing.
The proposed variation of the CUA supports the State Government’s whole-of-government Digital Strategy, which aims to change the way our community interacts with government and enhance its response to cyber security challenges.
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Digital technology is changing the way governments across the globe support their communities.
“The partnership between the McGowan Government and Microsoft has already delivered for Western Australia. We look forward to seeing the new opportunities that will be generated by extending our collaboration.
“This is one of the first steps in the State Government’s partnership with Microsoft, which aims to make WA one of the most digitally progressive economic locations in the world.
“The in-principle agreement to vary the Common Use Arrangement with Microsoft will support the WA Government in delivering more online services, and better leveraging data to inform operations and improve cyber security capabilities.
As stated by Microsoft ANZ General Manager Public Sector Mark Leigh:
“The rate and sophistication level of cyber attacks is increasing rapidly – and the risks to critical infrastructure and services have never been higher. It’s vital that governments know how to respond to these potentially devastating threats, both proactively and reactively.
“Through its unique agreement with Microsoft, the WA Government has quickly become a cyber security leader not only in Australia, but also globally.
“We are proud to be supporting the WA Government on their journey to become one of the most digitally progressive and leading State Governments to drive economic growth for its citizens.”
