By Matthew Knott
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved to put his own stamp on the nation’s military, promoting current Defence Force vice chief David Johnston to become the nation’s most senior military officer.
Johnston, a naval officer who has been the nation’s second most senior military figure since 2018, will replace long-serving Defence Chief Angus Campbell in July.
Current Air Force chief Robert Chipman has been promoted to vice chief of the Defence Force.
Vice Admiral David Johnston has been promoted to chief of the Australian Defence Force.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
There had been speculation that Navy Chief Mark Hammond or Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations Greg Bilton may have been handed the top assignment.
Instead, Bilton will depart the Defence Force and Hammond will remain in his current position as Navy Chief.
Johnston will be the first naval officer to helm the Australian Defence Force in 22 years and comes to the job as Australia commits tens of billions dollars on acquiring a nuclear submarine fleet through AUKUS, a security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom.
“I’d like to congratulate all personnel for accepting these appointments, and leading the Australian Defence Force with the values and tenets the Australian public expect of our military leaders,” Albanese said in a statement.
“I look forward to working with you to plan and deliver a more integrated and focused Defence Force.”
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Albanese said: “Vice Admiral Johnston is a proven leader, with the experience, intellect and resolve to lead the ADF in a complex and rapidly changing global strategic environment.
“In the Indo-Pacific, Iraq and Afghanistan, Vice Admiral Johnston has consistently distinguished himself with his capacity to ensure that different elements of defence work together.”
Johnston joined the Defence Force in 1978, rising through the ranks after serving as a commanding officer on the HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Newcastle war ships.
Defence Minister Richard Marles praised Campbell for leading the Defence Force through a period of “necessary and difficult change” since 2018, a tenure that will make him the longest-serving Defence Chief in Australian history.
Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell apologised for high rates of veteran suicide in an appearance at the Royal Commission in March. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“He oversaw the drawdown of Australian troops in the Middle East region and reorientation of our military focus to the Indo-Pacific,” Marles said.
“He has been a strong advocate for operational accountability, strengthening our alliance and regional relationships, supporting the wellbeing of ADF personnel and maximising the power and effectiveness of an integrated force.”
Marles said that, as part of the changes, three women would now be serving as three-star-rank officers in the Australian Defence Force: Michelle McGuinness, Natasha Fox and Susan Coyle.
Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness is one of three women promoted to three-star rank in the overhaul of top defence command. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“This time last year, there had never been a woman who had served at the level of a three-star in the Australian Defence Force,” Marles said.
“It is a very significant step forward in terms of the participation of women in the senior
leadership of the Australian Defence Force.”