iscover
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally announced the next secretary for the Department of Defence as part of the government’s refresh of the department.
The Australian government has announced a historic leadership change at the Department of Defence, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming he will recommend Meghan Quinn PSM for appointment as secretary.
If approved by Sam Mostyn, Quinn will become the first woman to substantively lead the Department of Defence in its history. Her five-year term is set to begin on 18 May 2026.
Quinn currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and brings decades of senior public service experience to the role. Her career spans key economic and strategic policy positions, including multiple deputy secretary roles at the Department of the Treasury and leadership of the Secretariat for the “Australia in the Asian Century White Paper” within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Before entering the public service, Quinn held roles in the private sector with BHP and the Bank of England. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2009 for her work on climate change policy.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to outgoing Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, acknowledging his contribution to national security. Moriarty will transition to a new diplomatic role as Australia’s ambassador to the United States. Interim Secretary Cath Patterson was also thanked for her service in the acting position.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed the appointment of Quinn, describing Quinn as a highly experienced leader well suited to oversee one of the Commonwealth’s largest and most complex departments.
He noted her tenure since 2022 leading the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, alongside earlier senior roles across Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as experience in the private sector.
Minister Marles said Quinn’s background in public administration and strategic leadership would position her strongly to guide Defence into the future, particularly amid broader leadership changes within the Australian Defence Force.
He also highlighted the significance of her appointment as the first woman to substantively lead the Department of Defence and reiterated his appreciation for Greg Moriarty’s service, adding that he looks forward to continuing to work with him in his forthcoming role as Australia’s ambassador to the United States.
More to come.
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.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.
