Susan Coyle has been appointed as the first woman to lead the Australian Army, in a historic leadership reshuffle announced by the government.
Lieutenant General Coyle, currently chief of joint capabilities, will assume the role of chief of army in July, replacing Simon Stuart. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the appointment as a milestone, noting it marks the first time in the army’s 125-year history that a woman will hold the position.
Defence Minister Richard Marles called the move a “deeply historic moment”, adding that it would inspire more women to pursue military careers. Women currently make up about 21% of the Australian Defence Force, with a target of increasing overall participation to 25% by 2030.
The announcement comes amid broader changes within the defence leadership, including the appointment of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as head of the Australian Defence Force.
