Mystery as Australia's cyber-security boss is replaced over a 'workplace matter' - months after he was appointed in triumphant Anthony Albanese press conference

Australia's new cyber-security czar announced Predecessor removed from role over 'workplace matter' READ MORE: Medibank hacker who targeted 10 MILLION Australians is named 

A new cyber-security boss has been appointed months after her predecessor was sent back to Defence over a ‘workplace matter’ that is yet to be revealed.

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness will step into the role of National Cyber-Security Coordinator on Monday after Air Marshal Darren Goldie was recalled to deal with a matter from his time in the Defence in November.

Ms McGuinness will lead and co-ordinate Australia’s national cyber security policy, government preparedness and responses to events like data breaches and major hacking incidents. 

Mr Goldie was appointed as the first cyber-security czar in June with high praise from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs minister Claire O’Neil.

He would only last four months in the role after the Department of Home Affairs revealed he would no longer act as cyber-security chief while the ‘workplace matter’ at Defence is being dealt with.

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness (pictured) has been announced as Australia’s new head of cyber-security after her predecessor was removed for a ‘workplace matter’

Ms McGuiness served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years before taking on a role in the United States Defence Intelligence Agency as the deputy director of commonwealth integration.

She also played a role in Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic by supporting whole-of-government counter proliferation initiatives such as Australia’s Strategic Health Intelligence capability.

Ms McGuiness will be Australia’s second National Cyber Security Coordinator after following on from Deputy Secretary Hamish Hansford who filled in as acting coordinator.

Mr Goldie was appointed as the inaugural cyber-security chief in June after an ‘extensive 30-year career with the Royal Australian Air Force’.

Mr Albanese said Mr Goldie was ‘an outstanding choice’ and was ‘very pleased’ with his appointment during a press conference at the time.

He went on to describe him as ‘someone who had that proven record of leadership, of being able to coordinate across the security space’.

At the same press conference, Ms O’Neil said Mr Goldie was ‘a really important piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is being put in place’.

Shortly after his appointment, Mr Goldie revealed that ‘sensitive personal and government information’ was stolen by Russian hackers in an attack on law firm HWL Ebsworth in April.

Air Marshal Darren Goldie (pictured) was called back to Defence in November to deal with the matter and in turn was forced to abdicate the role after just four months

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil (all pictured) both had glowing recommendations for Mr Goldie during his appointment in June

He also went on the lead the federal response to the nationwide Optus shutdown and the DP World cyber attack that closed ports across the country.

Mr Goldie abdicated the role just four months after his appointment, within a week after the ‘workplace matter’ was escalated.

Defence minister Richard Marles and Ms O’Neil were both informed the Air Marshall must be returned before it can be dealt with under the ADF’s disciplinary system.

‘He is currently on leave,’ a Department of Defence spokesperson said at the time.

‘While the matter is under consideration it would be inappropriate to comment further.

‘The welfare of our people remains our priority and it is requested that Air Marshal Goldie’s privacy is respected at this time.’