POLITICS
Australia’s next Defence chief confirmed
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will become Australia’s next Defence chief later this year, while Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the next Chief of Army, the first woman to lead one of the armed services.
Vice Admiral Hammond is currently the Chief of Navy and will replace departing Defence Chief Admiral David Johnston when his two-year appointment ends in July.
“Vice Admiral Hammond has had a distinguished career, spending 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy, serving in frigates, and extensively in and later commanding, submarines and the Australian fleet,” Mr Albanese said from Canberra.