New senior appointments in Defence announced

The Australian government has recommend a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force to the Governor-General.

FILE IMAGE: Vice Admiral David Johnston and Air Marshal Robert Chipman will become Australia’s new Chief of Defence Force and Vice Chief of Defence Force in July 2024.

Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024.

Current Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral David Johnston will be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force.

Air Marshal Robert Chipman will be appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

Air Vice‑Marshal Stephen Chappell will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Air Force.

Rear Admiral Justin Jones, currently the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, will replace his current boss, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, as Chief of Joint Operations.

Major General Susan Coyle, currently the Commander of Army’s Forces Command, will replace Lieutenant General John Frewen as the Chief of Joint Capabilities.

Lieutenant General Gavan Reynolds will complete his term as the inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence, which will rotate to a civilian appointment with the replacement to be identified later.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Vice Admiral Johnston joined the ADF in 1978 and had demonstrated outstanding leadership as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force since 2018.

“His experience in command and the strategic design of the integrated force will be critical to embedding the outcomes of the Defence Strategic Review,” Mr Albanese said.

“The government extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to retiring Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell.

“General Campbell joined the ADF in January 1981 and has had a distinguished career, leading the nation through regional and global security challenges.

“He has been at the forefront of driving organisational and cultural change to enhance the ADF as a modern, highly capable, integrated force centred on its people and Defence values.”

Mr Albanese said Air Marshal Chipman was appointed as the Chief of Air Force in July 2022 and provided excellent and considered leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force over the past two years.

He said Air Vice‑Marshal Chappell was currently the Head of Military Strategic Commitments and was well placed to lead the Royal Australian Air Force and its people at this critical time.

Following confirmation of the Federal Executive Council of the preceding statutory appointments by the Governor General, other senior ADF appointments will also change in early July 2024.

Mr Albanese extended the government’s sincerest gratitude to General Campbell and Lieutenant Generals Bilton, Frewen and Reynolds, and to their families, for their longstanding commitment to defending the nation, their service to country and their lasting contribution to the ADF.

 

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