Top cyber agent Rachel Noble to lead Australian Signals Directorate, Matthew Anderson the head Australian War Memorial

Rachel Noble is the first woman to head a major intelligence agency in Australia.

Rachel Noble has been appointed the first female lead of the Australian Signals Directorate.

Scott Morrison has made two important government appointments, announcing Rachel Noble will become the first woman to lead the Australian Signals Directorate while veteran Matthew Anderson will take over as director of the Australian War Memorial.

Ms Noble, who will begin her new job in February, heads the Australian Cyber Security Centre and has worked at the ASD previously, with a “strong understanding of the role the organisation plays in the national intelligence community”.

The appointment was recently flagged in The Australian’s Power List.

“Ms Noble is the first woman to be appointed to lead ASD and she is the first woman to head a major intelligence agency in Australia. Her appointment to this leadership role is a significant step forward for women in the national security sector and we congratulate her,” the Prime Minister said.

“(At the ACSC) she is responsible for leading the Australian government’s cyber security capabilities, responding to cyber security threats and incidents, and collaborating with government, industry and the community on cyber security matters.”

ASD is a critical agency supporting the government and Australian Defence Force through intelligence, cyber security and offensive operations and Mr Morrison said Ms Noble had “vital technical expertise”.

Mr Anderson, Australia’s deputy high commissioner to the United Kingdom, will replace Brendan Nelson at the war memorial in the new year and oversee the nine-year development project for the much loved institution.

“Mr Anderson is well placed to guide the Australian War Memorial through generational change to tell the stories of our more recent conflicts,” Mr Morrison said.

“He has demonstrated his passion for military history and ensuring future generations are educated about the service and sacrifice of our personnel, having written three children’s books on Australia’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars.

“Over the past three years he has further built on his knowledge and passion, serving as the Australian Alternate on the Board of Trustees of the Imperial War Museum and Commonwealth War Graves Commission.”

Veterans Minister Darren Chester said Mr Anderson, also a former ambassador to Afghanistan and the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s MH17 taskforce following the downing of the plane that killed 38 Australians, would ensure the stories of Australia’s veterans were appropriately told.

“Mr Anderson is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, spending eight years as an Australian Army officer, including three years as troop commander for the Royal Australian Engineers,” Mr Chester said.

“His service, along with his proven record of achievement in senior diplomatic postings, demonstrated leadership and knowledge of military history, will ensure the continued success of the Memorial.”

Mr Morrison thanked Dr Nelson and Lieutenant General John Frewen, who has acted as ASD director-general and will now return to his role as principal deputy-director general of the agency, for their public service.

Mr Anderson was appointed after a formal selection process and Ms Noble’s appointment was recommended to Governor-General David Hurley by the government.