New ADF leadership to be unveiled amid BRS controversy as military weighs first female service chief

Australia could soon have its first female military service chief as the Albanese government prepares to unveil the next senior defence leaders, within days of the arrest of decorated former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith on Afghanistan war crime charges.

The Nightly has learnt the Prime Minister is expected on Monday to unveil the next Chief of the Defence Force to replace Admiral David Johnston, as well as the new Defence Secretary after Greg Moriarty was named ambassador to the United States.

Inside government and military circles there is growing speculation of a promotion for Chief of Navy Mark Hammond, possibly to Defence Chief, while current Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle could become Army’s first female head or even CDF.

Current Australian ambassador to China, Scott Dewar, is widely tipped to replace Mr Moriarty as Defence Secretary and return to the department where he has held various senior leadership roles since 2014.

Admiral Johnston was appointed Chief of the Defence Force in July 2024 for a two-year term, along with the current Vice Chief of Defence Air Marshal Robert Chipman, who is also considered a possible candidate to take over the top job.

The next group of senior defence leaders is being unveiled as veterans and military commentators warn the fallout from last week’s arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith on war crime charges will hurt morale and could hamper recruitment efforts.