LTGen Michelle McGuinness csc

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, CSC was appointed as Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator (the Coordinator) on 26 February 2024. 

As the Coordinator, LTGEN McGuinness leads whole-of-government coordination of the delivery of the Strategy, the coordination of responses to significant cyber incidents, whole of government cyber incident preparedness efforts, and the strengthening of Commonwealth cyber security capability. 

LTGEN McGuinness has served in the Australian Defence Force for over 30 years in a range of tactical, operational, and strategic roles in Australia and internationally. 

Prior to this appointment, LTGEN McGuinness most recently served as Deputy Director Commonwealth Integration in the United States Defense Intelligence Agency. In this role, she led policy and cultural reform, and technological integration, including interoperability across information technology, systems and data.

LTGEN McGuinness’ foreign awards include the U.S. Legion of Merit, DIA Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Defense Intelligence Agency Director’s Award and being twice awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal. In 2018, LTGEN McGuinness was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in recognition of outstanding achievement in leadership, training development and international engagement. 

Recognising her leadership in cybersecurity, LTGEN McGuinness was the recipient of the 8thAnnual Billington International CyberSecurity Award in 2025.