Government poised to shake up spy, security chiefs

The choice has boiled down to the current Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. The defence minister is cognisant that a navy officer has not been at the helm for more than 22 years, while the tens of billions of dollars committed to new warships and submarines has also reinforced a sense it is the navy’s turn.

In Admiral Johnston’s favour is his 10 years’ tenure among the senior leadership group, including experience working across the three services as chief of joint operations.

Admiral Hammond has been in his current job for less than two years but is a submariner and forged a good working relationship with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during AUKUS negotiations.

One source said Admiral Hammond also had strong connections with the US military, which could be a critical factor in managing AUKUS and the alliance if Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The next two major jobs the government will have to turn its attention to mid-year are director-general of security for ASIO and Federal Police commissioner, with the five-year terms of respective incumbents Mike Burgess and Reece Kershaw ending in September.

Government sources said both leaders were well-respected. Other sources were split on whether the government would opt for stability during a period of uncertainty, or take the opportunity to put its own stamp on appointments.

The historical pattern has been for ASIO chiefs to have tenures of four to five years, although Dennis Richardson enjoyed a nine-year term that covered the rise of terrorism post-September 11, 2001.

The past two AFP commissioners served five years but like Mr Richardson, former commissioner Mick Keelty had his term extended during the 2000s.

Mr Burgess – who made waves earlier this year when he revealed an unnamed ex-politician had turned traitor – has given no indication of his intentions. It is understood Mr Kershaw is keen to stay with the AFP, with the force taking down some major crime figures under his watch, including bikie boss Mark Buddle.

A possible contender for AFP commissioner or ASIO chief is the deputy head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Catherine Burn, who will make a rare public appearance on Tuesday at a national security conference.

Ms Burn was a former deputy commissioner of the NSW Police Force before joining the foreign intelligence service in 2018.

Appointing Ms Burn or another woman to head a major agency would help meet the government’s desire to elevate female leaders in the public service.

Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram had his term extended to November and is widely expected to leave. One source suggested there was speculation the government would look to appoint a military officer to take charge.

The government will also have to make a decision towards the end of the year over the head of cyberspy agency the Australian Signals Directorate, with its head Rachel Noble’s term expiring in February.

A spokesman for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, who oversees ASIO and the ABF, said: “Decisions about the leadership of our intelligence and security agencies are critical for our national security. All appropriate factors will be considered before a cabinet decision is made.”