Defence chiefs to have term extended by two years

Despite being due to end his time in the top job in July, Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell will have his term extended by two years.

The terms of their terms will be extended by another two years for the Vice Chief of Defence Force David Johnston and Chief of Joint Operations Greg Bilton.

Mark Hammond will be Chief of Navy, Simon Stuart Chief of Army and Robert Chipman will become Chief Air Force Chief.

In 2018, General Campbell was appointed Chief of the Defence ForceDefence Force by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, replacing Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

The last time a defence chief had their term extended was in 2008 when the Rudd government decided to re-elect Angus Houston for a further three years.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said that more work was needed to boost the number of women in senior levels of the military, although there had been improvements in the diversity of ADF staff.

He said that the men appointed were the best people to lead the Defence ForceDefence Force.

He said that the decisions were made against the backdrop of who we believe are the most capable people to fill these roles.

More to come.