The Australian Army will be led by a woman for the first time in the nation’s history after a new appointment made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Prime Minister on Monday announced three senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force, including Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as Chief of Army, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as Chief of the Defence Force, and Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley as Chief of Navy.
The changes are subject to formal approval by far-left gender equality advocate Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and will take effect on July 26, and come amid growing public anger over the government’s arrest of SAS hero Ben Roberts-Smith for alleged Afghanistan war crimes.
Lieutenant General Coyle is currently one of the Defence Force’s two Indigenous Champions, who “advocate for greater outcomes for First Nations (sic) peoples, communities and businesses”, according to the ADF.
The newly appointed first-ever female Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, making an aboriginal land acknowledgement last month.
She is currently one of the Defence Force’s “Indigenous Champions”.
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Mr Albanese said he was proud to announce the appointment Lieutenant General Coyle and highlighted the fact that she will be the first woman to lead the army.
“The Australian Defence Force is tireless in its efforts to keep Australians safe – and I am so pleased to announce these new appointments,” Mr Albanese said.
“From July we will have the first ever female Chief of Army in the Australian Army’s 125 year history.
“I thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army for their service, and wish them well in their retirement.”
Lieutenant General Coyle, who enlisted as a soldier in the Army Reserves before going on to be appointed Chief of Joint Capabilities Group in 2024, said she was humbled and honoured to be named Army Chief.
“I began my service in 1987 as a proud Reserve soldier with the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers. As I prepare to assume this next appointment, I do so with humility, a deep appreciation for the experiences I have been afforded, and an unwavering commitment to steward our people well,” she said.
“Like those who have gone before me, I will lead our soldiers and support our families so that Army continues to deliver on Defence’s mission.
“In my current role responsible for Space and Cyber, I often say that if you are zero in one domain, you are zero in all. To this appointment, I bring deep experience across three warfighting domains and operational service spanning all five. This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for the responsibilities of command and the trust placed in me.
“It is an absolute honour to be selected as the 42nd Chief of Army.”
Vice Admiral Hammond, the current Chief of Navy will replace outgoing Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, who is retiring with the change of command. The current Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, is also retiring.
Header image: Left, Susan Coyle (ADF). Right, Coyle with Deputy PM Richard Marles and Anthony Albanese (PMO).
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