Labor welcomes the announcement that Air Marshal Mark Binskin AC will be the new Chief of the Australian Defence Force.
Air Marshal Binskin will replace General David Hurley AC, who has served as CDF since July 2011.
We express our deep gratitude on behalf of the nation to General Hurley, who has served his country with distinction and provided outstanding leadership to the ADF and the wider defence community during his tenure.
General Hurley’s contribution to successive governments has been immense.
General Hurley graduated from Duntroon in 1975, served in Somalia, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and has had oversight of a number of operations including Timor-Leste and Afghanistan.
Under his leadership, we saw a professionally executed military campaign in Afghanistan followed by an extremely difficult but tremendously successful transition.
Labor wishes him all the best for his retirement.
We congratulate Air Marshal Mark Binskin on his appointment as Australia’s new Chief of the Defence Force.
Air Marshal Binskin is an outstanding officer, who has served in both the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, including as Chief of Air Force and Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
Air Marshall Binskin will be leading a very capable team, with Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN serving as the new Vice-Chief of the Defence Force and Rear-Admiral Tim Barrett AM, CSC, RAN replacing him as the new Chief of Navy.
These newly promoted officers join the well-respected Chief of Army Lieutenant-General David Morrison, AO, and Chief of Air Force Air Marshall Geoff Brown, AO, whose terms have been extended by twelve months, to make up the Defence leadership across the services.
Labor congratulates the new appointees and has every confidence that they will continue the exceptional work of their predecessors in protecting Australia’s national security interests.
FRIDAY, 4 APRIL 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053
DEE CAKIR 0434 407 116 (FEENEY)
