The Information Communications Technology Provider Arrangement (ICTPA) panel, which facilitates IT service buying for Defence and related government agencies, has added Macquarie Government, part of Macquarie Technology Group, among its roster of cybersecurity vendors.
The addition means the Australian Defence Force can procure services directly from Macquarie Government.
Australian Defence and Intelligence agencies can also avail of Macquarie Government’s cloud, network perimeter cybersecurity, and Security Operations Centre (SOC).
The ICTPA was established in 2018 to replace the Applications Managed Service Partner Agreement (AMSPA).
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Macquarie claims it already works with more than 42% of Federal Government agencies and is the only Strategic level-certified provider of both data centre and cloud services in Australia under the government’s Hosting Certification Framework.
“This is a significant step which reflects the trust and recognition of Australian companies investing in sovereign outcomes,” said Macquarie Government head of federal government Michael Davies.
“Our longstanding delivery of Defence services through our Defence partners and primes demonstrates our dedication to supporting the Australian Government and its secure digital transformation journey.”
This appointment comes as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles lobbied an increase to Defence spending of an additional $50.3 billion over the next decade, paving the way for a sovereign capability uplift, building on the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.
It also comes as the government is building its national Cyber Security Strategy, in which sovereign capabilities were highlighted as a vital “shield” to boost home-grown capabilities and reduce Australia’s dependence on offshore providers.
Macquarie Government managing director Aidan Tudehope welcomed the panel selection.
“We see this as a pivotal moment for Macquarie Government, which reflects our commitment to supporting Australian Defence and national security,” he said.
“Australia needs sovereign, homegrown capabilities in technology and cyber security to adjust to the new challenging strategic circumstances Defence faces, and to keep pace with our international partners in important pacts such as AUKUS.”