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Former Defence chief Angus Campbell has reportedly been tapped for appointment as Australia’s next ambassador to the EU, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg, according to recent speculation.
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Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to announce that the retired general will represent Australia in Brussels, according to information leaked by alleged military and diplomatic sources to News Corp’s The Australian newspaper, owned by Rupert Murdoch.
The newspaper states that current ambassador Caroline Millar is due to complete her term at the end of the year and a possible appointment of General (Ret’d) Angus Campbell would allow him to join his wife as a senior member of Australia’s diplomatic corps.
Senator Wong previously appointed Stephanie Copus Campbell as Australia’s ambassador for gender equality in December 2022, according to the newspaper.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles have both previously thrown their support behind Campbell.
“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge General Angus Campbell for the extraordinary service he has given to Australia as Chief of the Defence Force,” Albanese said in April this year.
“For every day that he has worn the uniform of this nation. Indeed, when he steps down, General Angus Campbell will have been the longest ever serving Chief of the Defence Force. He has earned the respect and deep gratitude of Australia and we wish him all the very best for his future.
“Just under two years ago, when I came to this role, I sought an extension in Angus’ term of two years,” Deputy PM Marles said in April this year.
“I know that in asking Angus to serve those additional two years, that was a burden, more than it was a joy, but he has taken that on because it became really clear to me that in all that we needed to do, having continuity in command was going to be critically important.
“I have benefited enormously from Angus’ wisdom, from his guidance and from his counsel. I am personally deeply grateful to you, Angus, for all the service that you’ve provided to me over the last two years, but the nation is grateful to you in terms of the service that you’ve provided over a colossal career. And as the prime minister said, in the completion of Angus’ term, he will be one of the longest serving chiefs of Defence Force in our nation’s history.”
Campbell has previously attracted negative attention and media coverage over the handling of the stripping of Afghanistan war decorations from ADF personnel, handling of the Brereton Report, the awarding of his own “distinguished command and leadership in action” honour for Afghanistan (recommended by current Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston) and issues regarding ADF deficiencies in supporting veterans as well as falling morale and leadership trust in current personnel.
