Lieutenant General Angus Campbell named new Chief of Defence

Former special forces commander who played a key role in restoring order in East Timor has been named Chief of Defence.

Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell is set to be named Chief of Defence. Picture: Gary Ramage.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed the new Chief of Defence will be current Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell.

Mr Turnbull also confirmed chief of joint operations David Johnston would be the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

“I look forward to working with the incoming chiefs when they are appointed in July,’’ he said in an official announcement today.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left with Lieutenant General Angus Campbell. Picture: AAP.

Defence Minister Marise Payne announced Defence’s new chief of joint operations will be Air Commander Mel Hupfeld while the Chief of Navy will be Rear Admiral Mike Noonan, replacing the departing Tim Barrett.

The new Chief of Army will be Major General Rick Burr, said Senator Payne.

Lt Gen Campbell is a former special forces commander who played a key role in the United Nations operation to restore order in East Timor and is a former Commander of Australia’s forces in the Middle East.

He also boasts political experience having served as a national security adviser and as head of the Coalition’s Sovereign Borders Operation.

Vice Admiral Johnston is a former commander HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Newcastle missile frigates.