As part of the 26th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations on September 15, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith considered a range of new and emerging security challenges, including the importance of closer collaboration on cyber security issues.
A joint statement released following the talks said the two governments acknowledged the increasing importance of cyberspace.
“We seek to promote a secure, resilient, and trusted cyberspace that ensures safe and reliable access for all nations.
“Our Governments recognise the value of close collaboration with allies and like-minded nations on cyber issues, and are working together closely to address mutual threats and challenges emerging in and from cyberspace.
“We recognise the importance of working together to advance the development of agreed international norms for cyberspace, and are committed to contributing further to this development.
“We recognise that cyberspace plays a growing role in ensuring national security.
“Mindful of our longstanding defence relationship and the 1951 Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America (ANZUS Treaty), our Governments share the view that, in the event of a cyber attack that threatens the territorial integrity, political independence or security of either of our nations, Australia and the United States would consult together and determine appropriate options to address the threat.
“Our Governments remain committed to furthering our national and mutual interests
in cyberspace, collaborating with the international community to address the challenges of cyberspace, and working together to ensure the common benefits of cyberspace are accessible to all peoples and nations,” the statement concluded.