Minister for Defence - General David Hurley AC DSC

Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today congratulated Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley on his appointment as the next New South Wales Governor.

Senator Johnston said General Hurley, who completes his tenure as the Chief of the Defence Force on 30 June 2014, is an exceptional officer and an outstanding Australian.

“His leadership and dedication, including his tenure as Vice Chief, and then as Chief of the Defence Force, has been fundamental in shaping the Australian Defence Force of today,” Senator Johnston said.

“He is highly regarded and admired by the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and I am personally very grateful for his guidance and good will throughout the transition of government.”

General Hurley saw active service in Somalia, commanding the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in 1993 during Operation SOLACE, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

As the Chief of the Defence Force, he has led the Australian Defence Force to the end of operations in Uruzgan province, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Additionally, he has overseen significant capability development.

“General Hurley has dedicated 40 years of service as a member of our military and he will bring a wealth of experience and grace to the role of Governor, I believe the people of NSW are very lucky to have him,” Senator Johnson said.

“I would like to thank General Hurley for all that he has done in the service of this nation and I wish him and his wife Linda all the very best as they move onto this new chapter in their lives,” Senator Johnston said.

Media contact:
Rebecca Horton (Senator Johnston’s office) 0477 389 554