Govt opens inquiry into cyber security preparedness of SMBs

The Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations has commenced work on its inquiry. 

The Committee has been established by the House of Representatives to inquire and report on the cyber security preparedness of small to medium sized business.

The inquiry will consider the cyber maturity of Australian SMBs, including not-for-profit organisations; the adequacy, appropriateness and accessibility of guidance provided to SMBs by government in relation to cyber security; and whether there are appropriate standards for SMBs in relation to cyber security.

It will also consider the ease for SMBs to procure appropriate cyber security services in Australia; the importance of training for employees on good cyber security practices to the overall cyber security of SMBs; the impact of cyber security maturity on the feasibility for SMBs to participate in Government and large corporate supply chains; and any other related matters.

The chair of the Committee, Sally Sitou MP, said small businesses are on the frontline of cyber risk but too often they’re expected to defend themselves without the time, tools or resources they need.

“This is the first federal inquiry to take a close look at the cyber security challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses," she said.

“We want to work directly with them to understand the threats they’re up against and how we can better protect them. We’re particularly keen to hear from smaller businesses - especially those with fewer than 200 employees - as well as experts across the tech sector.”

The Committee is now inviting written submissions responding to the inquiry’s terms of reference by 28 August 2026.