Vice Admiral David Johnston: Good morning all, and thank you for attending on this cold Canberra day.
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet here today, the Ngunnawal people. I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. I also acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation with great distinction.
And I am particularly pleased that this is NAIDOC Week - where we recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I extend my thanks to Leading Seaman Matthew Joseph for playing the yidaki today.
Early in my tenure as VCDF I stated that I was honoured to have the opportunity to bring my understanding of ADF operational success to this role and to make a positive contribution towards the ADF's transformation to a more capable, agile and potent force.
Less than three months ago, the inaugural National Defence Strategy and public IIP were released, setting out a clear approach to the defence of Australia and our interests through a strategic framework to guide the significant and urgent changes required to address Australia's challenging security environment.
The VCDF Group has been and will necessarily remain at the forefront of this ambition.
The requirements established in the NDS are a clear affirmation of your role.
You have delivered the substantial work (at pace!) to develop the NDS and rebuilt IIP.
At its core, the NDS demands success in the functions performed by VCDF Group. It's a strong recognition of the substantial contribution you've made in order to:
- Design the Force - to operate across the five domains
- Design the Workforce
- Plan possible futures
- Set the operational direction of the Force
- Support our people and veterans
Through your endeavours, expertise and drive we are well on the path to making the transformation that is needed in Defence.
There are simply too many achievements to call out individually now but I want you to know that as the Vice Chief and your Group Head, I have been extremely proud of how you have continued to deliver this critical work.
Today, as I handover to Air Marshal Chipman, I am particularly proud to highlight the Group culture you have developed.
Each year, through our induction processes, I have stated that the way we work is critical to achieving the responsibilities that we perform. It is - and continues to be - critical that we are genuinely collaborative, respectful and able to bring the organisation with us.
When we are at our best - these are our strengths. Our people know they can depend on each other with teamwork and trust consistently rating highly in our survey results. Pleasingly, most of you also feel that VCDF Group is a good place to work.
I also recognise the consistently high tempo in our Group makes it tough in the centre, with the demands that our work places on you and the impact to your lives, families and friends. This has been particularly acute across the group over the last 12 months since the DSR was announced. I offer my sincere thanks for the incredible work you've delivered for the organisation.
VCDF Group is judged by the quality of our people, advice and outputs. You have demonstrated the best of Defence values and behaviours, genuine engagement, looking out for each other and learning from each other. Your knowledge, skills and experience are as important as ever in achieving our mission.
It has been my distinct privilege to lead you.
I would like to thank the many colleagues and stakeholders across the Services and Groups for your friendship and support as we build an integrated force. Equally, our partners across government are essential to us achieving outcomes for the nation.
To CDF and the Secretary, thank you for your trust and guidance that has made performing this position possible.
I also express my deep gratitude to Belinda, family and friends for their patience, support and recognition that weekends ahead of Investment Committee are lost to them!
I am delighted that Air Marshal Rob Chipman is the next VCDF. He is an exceptional officer who will bring his own considerable experience and insight to the role. I know he will excel in this position.
To Alyce, Thomas, Oliver, Darcy and Charlie - thank you for your support to Rob.
Rob, congratulations on your appointment here today - you are leading an exceptional group…
Thank you.
