Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force Appointments

Today Prime Minister the Hon. Julia Gillard MP announced a number of changes across the Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force.

Dr Don Russell has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, following the transition of Mr Mark Paterson AO to the role of Director?General at the Department of Trade and Investment in New South Wales. Dr Russell has previously held several senior public service positions, including as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, and as an adviser to former Prime Minister and Treasurer the Hon. Paul Keating. Dr Russell will commence in the department on 20 June 2011 for a period of five years.

Dr Paul Grimes PSM has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities where he has been acting in the role since September 2010. Dr Grimes has previously held senior roles in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Finance and Deregulation and the Treasury. Dr Grimes’ appointment is also for five years.

Dr Grimes replaces Ms Robyn Kruk AM, who is taking up the position of CEO designate at the National Mental Health Commission, which will be established on 1 January 2012. Ms Kruk was previously Director-General at the NSW Department of Health.

Dr Ken Henry AC has been appointed by the Governor General as a part-time Special Adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, a role to which he will return following his current long-service leave.

In conjunction with Defence Minister the Hon. Stephen Smith MP, Prime Minister Gillard also announced new Chiefs of the Australian Defence Force. These appointments will be for three years and will take effect on 4 July 2011.

Lieutenant General David Hurley, AC, DSC is to be the new Chief of the Defence Force, replacing retiring Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC.

Air Marshal Mark Binskin, AO will be promoted to Vice Chief of the Defence Force, having most recently served as Chief of Air Force. Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown, AM has been appointed as Chief of Air Force.

Rear Admiral Ray Griggs, AM CSC RAN will be the new Chief of Navy, replacing Vice Admiral Russ Crane.

Major General David Morrison, AO will be the Chief of Army, replacing Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie.