The Morrison government has named the team to lead a landmark investigation into alleged war crimes committed by special forces soldiers in Afghanistan.
Chris Moraitis, the current secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, will be director-general of the Office of the Special Investigator.
The role of the special investigator will be filled by former Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Mark Weinberg.
Former Queensland Police Service deputy commissioner Ross Barnett will be director of investigations.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the office would start work on January 4.
"The task for these eminent appointees will be challenging and, as the prime minister has noted, difficult for Australia," Mr Dutton said in a statement.
"They bring a wealth of experience to the very important work this office will do."
Justice Paul Brereton, who led a four-year investigation into the allegations, has recommended 19 serving and former ADF members be prosecuted for 39 unlawful killings and the torture of two prisoners.
