The New South Wales (NSW) government has appointed Marie Patane as its new chief cyber security officer, filling the role vacated by Tony Chapman last year. Patane officially assumed the position on February 24, marking a significant leadership change within Cyber Security NSW. Her appointment follows the interim leadership of Andrew Karvinen, who held the role on an acting basis since July and was instrumental in integrating ID Support into Cyber Security NSW.
Marie Patane brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having most recently served as the executive director of enterprise security at Sydney Metro. Her tenure at Sydney Metro began in 2020 when she transitioned from The Star Entertainment Group. Before joining Sydney Metro, Patane spent nearly 13 years at Qantas, where she held various roles, showcasing her extensive background in enterprise security and leadership.
A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Customer Service described Patane as “a recognised leader in her field” with multiple qualifications in both technical and leadership disciplines. In her new role, Patane will be responsible for developing and implementing robust security strategies aimed at protecting the residents of NSW and safeguarding the state’s critical systems. Her leadership is expected to enhance the state’s cyber resilience, particularly in an era of increasing cyber threats.
Patane’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the NSW government, which has been under pressure to enhance its cybersecurity measures. In the seven months leading up to June 2024, NSW government agencies collectively reported 52 data breaches, prompting calls for substantial “cyber security uplifts” across the public sector. Her strategic approach and extensive experience are anticipated to play a vital role in addressing these challenges and strengthening the state’s cybersecurity posture.
The role became vacant after Tony Chapman left to join the Department of Home Affairs, where he continues to contribute to national cybersecurity initiatives. Under Chapman’s leadership, Cyber Security NSW made significant strides, and his departure created a critical vacancy. During the interim period, Andrew Karvinen played a pivotal role in maintaining the momentum and overseeing the integration of ID Support into Cyber Security NSW, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Patane’s background in enterprise security and leadership positions her as a strategic choice for the role, particularly as the NSW government continues to confront evolving cyber threats. Her transition from Sydney Metro, where she played a key role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, underscores her capability to navigate complex security challenges.
The NSW government’s decision to appoint a seasoned cybersecurity expert reflects its commitment to bolstering its defenses and enhancing resilience against cyber incidents. Patane’s leadership will be central to driving cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of cyber defense and risk management.
As she steps into her new role, Patane will be expected to address key challenges, including enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, strengthening data protection measures, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure. Her strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the state’s cybersecurity agenda and safeguarding its digital landscape.