The Coalition congratulates the incoming Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Mark
Hammond AO RAN, on his appointment.
The Coalition also acknowledges and welcomes the newly appointed Chief of Army,
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, and newly appointed Chief of Navy, Rear
Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN.
There is no greater responsibility of government than to keep its citizens safe. It is vital that
the Australian Defence Force is ready to face growing regional and global challenges. Never
in our recent history has Australia's security faced such an uncertain, contested, and rapidly
evolving strategic environment. We wish our new service Chiefs every success as they work
to secure Australia and lead the men and women of our defence forces.
The Opposition also acknowledges retiring Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David
Johnston AC RAN, and retiring Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC.
The Coalition thanks them for their service and for the personal sacrifices they and their
families have made over their decades of service to their country. We wish them all the best
for the next chapter of their lives.
