According to the Commonwealth, the role is expected to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and cohesiveness of personnel management in the Australian Defence Force, with the responsibility to integrate workforce management across the five domains into a single integrated system.

As part of the announcement, MAJGEN Fox will be promoted to Lieutenant General and start in the new position from 5 June 2023.

“Major General Fox brings over 35 years of experience in leadership, and personnel and workforce management to the new role of chief of personnel,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.

“We want more Australians to experience a rich and rewarding career with Defence. A Defence career is one that provides fulfilling and well-paid work, job security and world-class training and education opportunities.

“Major General Fox will play a critical role in ensuring we have an integrated end-to-end people system for all Australians who join the ADF.”

In announcing the appointment, the Albanese government reiterated their objective of enhancing Defence’s recruitment framework.

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This is expected to include widening the eligibility pool of candidates, particularly in technical and specialist trades.

Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh explained that the reforms would enable the creation of a more integrated Defence workforce.

“I look forward to working with Major General Fox, alongside Deputy Secretary Defence People, Ms Justine Greig, to transform the Defence people system to continue to support and enable our Defence workforce and future capability,” Minister Keogh said.

“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of serving and ex-serving members of our ADF, after all, our people are our most important capability.

“I wish to congratulate Major General Fox on her appointment and promotion. I look forward to working with her, and Ms Greig, to build a stronger, larger and more integrated Defence workforce.”