Speaker Profile

Justine Jones was appointed to the First Assistant Secretary, Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre (CISC), role in the Department of Home Affairs on 12 February 2024.

Justine leads the Department’s regulatory compliance functions relating to critical infrastructure including aviation and maritime transport security, and national security risks to Australia’s telecommunication networks and facilities. The CISC delivers Australia’s background checking function to enhance the security of critical and government infrastructure facilities, while also supporting industry. It also provides risk assessments and analysis on critical infrastructure sectors to inform decisions across whole-of-government on managing cyber security and other risks to critical infrastructure sectors.

Prior to her role as Head of CISC, Justine was First Assistant Secretary, Status Resolution and Visa Cancellation in the Immigration Group. Justine has also held Senior Executive roles in the Audit and Assurance branch of Home Affairs and in the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Justine joined Home Affairs in 2013 and has undertaken functions spanning international engagement, policy development, audit and assurance, and complex program delivery. Prior to this, Justine held executive level roles in the Department of Employment & Workplace Relations (DEWR), the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) and undertook a year-long secondment to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to work on skills and training issues. In her time at the Ombudsman’s office, Justine focused on improving public administration through the investigation and review of administrative actions in a number of portfolios, including defence, human services, immigration and overseas students. Justine also has extensive experience in workplace relations policy development and implementation from her roles in DEWR and the APSC.

Justine started her career in the APS at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.