The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed the current Australian Cyber Security Centre chief Rachel Noble as the first woman to lead a major Australian spy agency. Ms Noble will become the Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate and formally taking up the role in February.
“Ms Noble’s deep experience in intelligence strongly positions her to lead ASD in executing its important national security mission,” the Prime Minister said.
“She has vital technical expertise having previously worked in ASD and has a strong understanding of the role the organisation plays in the National Intelligence Community,” he said.
“Most recently Ms Noble has been the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, where she is responsible for leading the Australian Government’s cyber security capabilities, responding to cyber security threats and incidents, and collaborating with government, industry and the community on cyber security matters.”
Ms Noble takes over from Lieutenant General John Frewen, who had been acting in the director-general’s role since August, when former Australian Signals Directorate chief Mike Burgess was tapped to run ASIO.
Lt-Gen Frewen will now return to his previous role as Principal Deputy Director-General within the ASD.
Ms Noble has served throughout her career in the Defence department but also has held positions primarily in security and intelligence related positions in Home Affairs and in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Ms Noble has also held the position of National Security Chief Information Officer and Cyber Policy Coordinator in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. She was responsible for improving information sharing among the national security community and coordinating whole-of-government cyber policy for which she was awarded a Public Service Medal.
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