Full details of ADF senior-leadership reshuffle

ADF senior leadership appointments announced today…

Lieutenant General Angus Campbell – CDF
Vice Admiral David Johnston – VCDF
Rear Admiral Mike Noonan – Chief of Navy
Major General Rick Burr – Chief of Army
Air Marshal Leo Davies – stays on as Chief of Air Force
Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfeld – Chief of Joint Operations

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Current Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell will be appointed Australia’s new CDF – Chief of Defence Force – commencing in July.

His deputy will be current Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the announcement at a press conference at Parliament House this afternoon in the company of Defence Minister Marise Payne, retiring CDF Air Chief Marshal Binskin and CDF designate Lieutenant General Campbell.

The outgoing and incoming VCDFs, who have been present at previous such events, were absent from today’s press conference.

Current VCDF Vice Admiral Ray Griggs had been touted by many as a serious contender for the CDF position, but recent media revelations surrounding his private life (over which he was vindicated by two inquiries) obviously affected his prospects – though Prime Minister Turnbull deflected questions on this at today’s press conference, instead thanking Vice Admiral Griggs for his long and dedicated service.

It was announced that current CDF Air Chief Marshal Binskin and his deputy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, will retire from the ADF – though Minister Payne intimated that Vice Admiral Griggs would continue to serve Australia in some capacity.

She went on to joke that Air Chief Marshal Binskin would soon have more time for flying and riding, though not necessarily in that order.

Prime Minister Turnbull said the government extended its deepest gratitude and thanks to Air Chief Marshal Binskin who has served Australia with great distinction during a period of high operational tempo.

“Air Chief Marshal Binskin has overseen Australia’s highly successful contribution to the counter-Daesh coalition in the Middle East and our transition from combat operations to the current train, advise and assist mission in Afghanistan, and his leadership will continue in the coming months,” Mr Turnbull said.

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