Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to reveal the new chief of the Australian Defence Force today, as well as a new head for the Defence Department in a major set of announcements.
The current ADF Vice Chief Robert Chipman, a former head of the air force, and navy chief Mark Hammond have been seen with defence circles as the frontrunners to take over from David Johnston, whose two-year tenure as defence force chief is coming to an end.
Albanese is expected to hold a press conference in Canberra to announce the changes. They come at a crucial time, with discussions under way about the role Australia could play in helping ensure the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The government is also preparing to release a new national defence strategy ahead of the May budget.
The announcement could also see Susan Coyle, the chief of joint capabilities, promoted to become the first female chief of army or ADF vice chief in Australian history.
Former ambassador to China Scott Dewar has been widely seen as the leading candidate to replace outgoing defence secretary Greg Moriarty, who will replace Kevin Rudd as US ambassador.
