- Australia has announced that Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the first woman to lead its army in its 125-year history.
- Lt Gen Coyle, currently the chief of joint capabilities, is set to take over as chief of army in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
- Her appointment comes as the Australian military seeks to boost female representation and address past allegations of systematic sexual harassment and discrimination.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles hailed the appointment as a "deeply historic moment" that will inspire women serving or considering serving in the Australian Defence Force.
- In related appointments, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been named the new head of the Australian Defence Force, with Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley becoming the new deputy chief of navy.
IN FULL
Australia appoints Susan Coyle as first female army chief: ‘Deeply historic moment’