The appointment of Lieutenant General David Hurley AC, DSC to replace Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston as Chief of the Defence Force is wholeheartedly supported by the Opposition. Lieutenant General Hurley has been Vice Chief of the Defence Force since July 2008 and is a highly decorated and experienced leader.

 

The new Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO, is currently the Chief of Air Force and is also a very good appointment. The Opposition believes Air Marshal Binskin will be a strong deputy to the CDF.

 

The new appointments to head the three services are:

 

Chief of Navy: Rear Admiral Ray Griggs AM, CSC, RAN

Chief of Army: Major General David Morrison AO

Chief of Air Force: Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown AM

 

The new Chiefs can be assured they can continue the work of their predecessors confident in the knowledge they have strong bipartisan support.

 

The Opposition also conveys its deep gratitude and best wishes to the Defence Chiefs who are retiring.

 

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC, has earned the respect and admiration of all Australians, including his own personnel in the ADF.

 

Air Chief Marshal Houston has steered the ADF through difficult and dangerous operations overseas and at home.

 

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN and Chief of Army Ken Gillespie AO, DSC, CSM have both been fine leaders and the nation owes them a debt of gratitude.

 

 

1 June 2011