Deputy Secretary
Ciara Spencer was appointed as Deputy Secretary Law Enforcement and Domestic Security on 24 July 2025.
As Deputy Secretary Law Enforcement and Domestic Security, Ciara leads the Group responsible for cyber security and technology security policy, countering foreign interference policy and partnerships, countering terrorism and violent extremism, criminal justice and law enforcement policy.
Before taking up her current position, Ciara served as First Assistant Secretary, Consular and Crisis Management Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In that role, Ciara led Australia’s response to crises in the Middle East and delivered consular services to support the safety and welfare of Australians overseas. Ciara has also led the International Security Division and Australia’s international response to defence issues, cyber security, counter terrorism, misinformation, human trafficking and modern slavery.
Ciara has previously held Senior Executive positions in the Department of Home Affairs, the former Department of immigration and Border Protection and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. These roles focused on national security, including aviation and maritime security, law enforcement policy, child exploitation, human trafficking and people smuggling. Ciara has also served in a range of policy, legal and program delivery roles at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Attorney-General’s Department.
Ciara holds a Master of Laws (International Criminal Law Specialisation) from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Japanese)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Australian National University.
