Anthony Albanese reveals pick for new chief of Australian Defence Force

Vice Admiral David Johnston will become the new chief of Australia’s Defence Force under a major overhaul of senior military ranks.

Anthony Albanese on Tuesday announced the promotion of the Defence Force vice chief, who is poised to be the first naval officer in 22 years to lead the nation’s armed forces.

Vice Admiral Johnston will replace long-serving defence chief Angus Campbell, who will step down in July after six years in the role.

The Prime Minister said Vice Admiral Johnston’s broad experience would help to lead Australia’s military through a complex and “rapidly changing” strategic environment.

“His service career has spanned a period of profound change in our Defence Force, in our region, in the very nature of the challenges confronting our national security,” Mr Albanese said.

“His understanding of integrated defence will be critical to delivering on the priorities and recommendations of the defence strategic review, ensuring our defence force has the right capabilities and the right leadership to meet the challenges ahead.”

Mr Albanese thanked outgoing defence chief General Campbell for his “extraordinary” service.

“He has earned the respect and deep gratitude of Australia and we wish him all the very best for his future,” he said.

Vice Admiral Johnston said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the armed forces.

“I am very conscious of the responsibility that comes with the role, the strategic environment in which we find ourselves and most particularly the responsibility I have to the extraordinary men and women in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.

As part of a wider shake-up of senior defence leadership, air force chief Robert Chipman will be promoted to Defence Force vice chief.

Border Force chief Rear Admiral Justin Jones will become the chief of joint operations, and Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the next head of joint capability.

Mr Marles said new senior appointments marked a “significant” step forward for the participation of women.

“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,” he said.

Tuesday’s announcement comes as Australia considers including Japan in its AUKUS partnership with the United States and the UK, as part of efforts to strengthen security ties in the Indo-Pacific under the trilateral security pact.

It also follows the release of a damning review into the nation’s defence capabilities that highlighted severe workforce retention and recruitment issues in the nation’s military.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated Vice Admiral Johnson on his new appointment in a joint statement issued with opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie on Tuesday.

“We also congratulate and thank current chief General Angus Campbell, the longest serving CDF, for his dedication and service in leading the Australian Defence Force,” they said.

“As Australia faces increasing challenging strategic circumstances, we need strong leaders who will ensure our ADF is well equipped with the capabilities and personnel needed to defend our nation.”