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Following confirmation from the Governor-General, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell AO, DSC will be appointed Chief of the Defence Force, while several other appointments have also been made.
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Lt Gen Campbell will replace Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin in July this year. Lt Gen Campbell joined the ADF in 1981 and was appointed Chief of Army in 2015. He is widely known as the face of Tony Abbott's anti-people smuggling program, Operation Sovereign Borders.
"His guidance will be instrumental as Australia modernises its military capabilities and continues its operations both in our region and around the globe," the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne said in a joint statement.
"The government extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to retiring Chief of the Defence Force ACM Binskin who has served with our nation with great distinction during a period of high operational tempo."
In his four-year term, ACM Binskin has overseen Australia’s contribution to the counter-Daesh coalition in the Middle East and the ADF's transition from combat operations to the current train, advise and assist mission in Afghanistan.
The government has also recommended the Governor-General appoint Vice Admiral David Johnston AM as Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
"As Chief of Joint Operations VADM Johnston has been instrumental in the planning and conduct of our military campaigns and exercises over the past four years" the joint statement from the Prime Minister and defence minister said.
Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC has been recommended as the new Chief of Joint Operations. AVM Hupfeld is currently the head of Force Design and responsible for the development of Australia's future force.
Vice Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC will retire from the ADF in July but the Prime Minister and Senator Payne hinted he will take another public sector role soon
"Acknowledging his significant contribution over four decades in the ADF, the government looks forward to VADM Griggs continuing his contribution to public service in the future," the joint statement said.
Chief of Navy Tim Barrett AO, CSC will also retire from the ADF in July after a 42-year career. Barrett has overseen the Royal Australian Navy as it undertakes its largest modernisation since WWII.
Rear Admiral Mike Noonan AM has been recommended to replace Barrett as Chief of Navy, and Major General Rick Burr AO, DSC has been recommended to replace Lt Gen Campbell as Chief of Army.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC, who was appointed to a four-year term in July 2015, will continue to serve in his current position.
