Government announces new-look Defence leadership

Prime Minister Albanese stressed the timing and importance of these new positions, saying, “The Australian Defence Force is tireless in its efforts to keep Australians safe – and I am so pleased to announce these new appointments.”

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN has been nominated to become the next Chief of the Defence Force, succeeding Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, who will retire when the new command arrangements take effect.

VADM Hammond brings four decades of service in the Royal Australian Navy, including extensive experience in frigates, submarines and fleet command. Since taking over as Chief of Navy in 2022, he has played a central role in shaping Navy’s future, including the transition towards Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS and the development of the future surface combatant fleet.

The government said VADM Hammond’s appointment would provide continuity at a critical time for the ADF as it works through the implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, currently Chief of Joint Capabilities, has been appointed as the next Chief of Army, making her the first woman to lead the Australian Army.

The Prime Minister added: “From July we will have the first ever female Chief of Army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history. I thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army for their service and wish them well in their retirement.”

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Her Army career began in the Reserves in 1987, and she has since held a broad range of tactical, operational and strategic appointments, including Head Information Warfare, Commander Forces Command, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Commander 6th Brigade, Commander Task Group Afghanistan and Commanding Officer of 17th Signal Regiment.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles said: “It is an honour to confirm these senior appointments to lead the Australian Defence Force. I know that in these roles, each of them will continue to make an enormous contribution to the safety and security of Australia, and I look forward to working with them to do so.”

ADML Johnston is set to retire after more than 48 years of service across Navy and joint roles. His career included senior appointments as Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Chief of Joint Operations and Chief of the Defence Force. The government paid tribute to his role in designing Australia’s future force and driving the ADF’s implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

The government also acknowledged outgoing Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, who is retiring after a period in which he helped prepare the Army for the force changes required under the 2024 National Defence Strategy. LTGEN Stuart is the first Chief of Army to have begun his career as a soldier.

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN will be promoted to Chief of Navy. He has served in both Oberon and Collins Class submarines, including command of HMAS Collins and the Submarine Force. He most recently served as head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency before being appointed Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025.

The government said RADM Buckley’s experience placed him in a strong position to lead the Navy through a period of major strategic change as it strengthens Australia’s contribution to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The Deputy Prime Minister added: “My sincere thanks and gratitude go to Admiral David Johnston who has led the Australian Defence Force for the past two years with enormous impact, implementing some of the most significant and consequential decisions in decades – including Defence’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide, driving AUKUS and the transformation of our Navy, and working with international partners to build our defence relationships.”

The appointments will be put to the Federal Executive Council for formal approval. The government also thanked ADML Johnston, LTGEN Stuart and their families for their long service and contribution to Australia’s defence.

“I would also like to personally thank Lieutenant General Simon Stuart for his contributions to the Australian Army at such a consequential time and wish him and his family all the best as he retires,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.