BRIG Hindmarsh will replace Major General Duncan Lewis who has commanded SOCOMD since its launch in May 2003. Now retiring from the military, MAJGEN Lewis will take up a new position as First Assistant Secretary, National Security Division, within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Senator Hill says the establishment of the Special Operations Command was one of the Howard government’s key responses to the Bali bombings.

"MAJGEN Lewis has been fundamental to the success of the formation of the Special Operations Command. As the inaugural Commander his work has helped ensure that Australia is better prepared to address the threat of terrorism both at home and abroad.

"The professionalism and dedication to the role demonstrated by MAJGEN Lewis is greatly valued and appreciated. I congratulate him on his new appointment which, again, is vital to the fight against terrorism."

Senator Hill has accepted the advice of the Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, that Brigadier Hindmarsh be appointed as Commander Special Operations. He will be promoted to Major General.

"Having performed the role of Deputy to MAJGEN Lewis, Brigadier Hindmarsh’s elevation to the top job will ensure a seamless transition.

"Apart from assisting in the successful establishment of the Special Operations Command, Brigadier Hindmarsh has extensive military experience in the field, particularly in special operations.

"BRIG Hindmarsh saw regimental service as a Platoon Commander with 2/4 Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and as a troop commander, squadron commander and Commanding Officer with SASR.

"As CO SASR, Brigadier Hindmarsh commanded the ANZAC Special Operations Force detachment on OPERATION POLLARD in Kuwait in 1998, and more recently commanded the Special Forces Task Group on OPERATION FALCONER in the Middle East."

Senator Hill has wished Major General Lewis and Brigadier Hindmarsh every success in their new roles.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Cosgrove, has also added his personal thanks and congratulations to those of Senator Hill in recognition of General Lewis’ distinguished service to the ADF and the significant contribution he would now be making on wider national security issues.

SOCOMD is a joint command, with command status equivalent to Maritime, Land and Air Commands. SOCOMD currently consists of the following:

• A joint Headquarters with offices in both Canberra, ACT and Sydney, NSW
• Special Air Service Regiment based in Swanbourne, WA
• 4^th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) based in Holsworthy, NSW
• Special Forces Training Center based in Singleton, NSW
• Incident Response Regiment based in Holsworthy, NSW
• 1^st Commando Regiment based in Randwick, NSW
• Special Operations Combat Service Support Company based in Banksmeadow, NSW