The Federal Government has announced new command arrangements for the Australian Defence Force that will take effect from July 2005.

Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Russ Shalders as the new Chief of Navy and Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd as the new Chief of Air Force. Lieutenant General Peter Leahy will continue as Chief of Army and Major General Ken Gillespie as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie will retire in July 2005, after 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy. He will be replaced as Chief of Navy by Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, the present Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

"Vice Admiral Ritchie has commanded the RAN during a period of very high operational tempo," Senator Hill said.

"The Government and the Australian people congratulate Vice Admiral Ritchie on a distinguished career, and wish him well in his retirement."

Senator Hill said that Major General Ken Gillespie, presently the Land Commander Australia, will be promoted to Lieutenant General and will replace Vice Admiral Shalders in the role of Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

Lieutenant General Peter Leahy’s tenure as Chief of Army has been extended. "Lieutenant General Leahy has provided excellent leadership for the Army at a time of high operational tempo," Senator Hill said.

"He has also led important work on the Hardening and Networking the Army initiative. The Government has decided that his appointment should be extended."

Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd, currently Air Commander Australia, has been selected as the new Chief of Air Force, replacing Air Marshal Angus Houston, who has been promoted to Chief of Defence Force.

"Air Vice Marshal Shepherd has had a distinguished career as a fighter pilot on Mirage and F-111 aircraft, as well as senior command appointments in the operations and intelligence fields.

"All appointments are for three years. On behalf of the Government, I thank the outgoing chiefs for their outstanding service to the ADF and the nation."

I congratulate the incoming Service Chiefs, and I am confident that they will carry on the excellent work of their predecessors, which was in the finest traditions of the Australian Defence Force.

Biographical details of the new appointments are available on the defence website www.defence.gov.au