The Governor-General has accepted the Government's recommendation to appoint Ms Rachel Noble PSM as the Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
Ms Noble's deep experience in intelligence strongly positions her to lead ASD in executing its important national security mission.
She has vital technical expertise having previously worked in ASD and has a strong understanding of the role the organisation plays in the National Intelligence Community. Most recently Ms Noble has been the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, where she is responsible for leading the Australian Government's cyber security capabilities, responding to cyber security threats and incidents, and collaborating with government, industry and the community on cyber security matters.
Ms Noble is the first woman to be appointed to lead ASD and she is the first woman to head a major intelligence agency in Australia. Her appointment to this leadership role is a significant step forward for women in the national security sector and we congratulate her.
We thank Lieutenant General John Frewen DSC AM for acting in the role as Director-General of the ASD. LTGEN Frewen is a highly capable officer and will now return to his role of Principal Deputy-Director General.
ASD plays a critical role in supporting the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force through intelligence, cyber security and offensive operations, defending Australia from global threats while advancing our national interests.
We congratulate Ms Noble on her appointment who will take up the role in February 2020.
