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Oceania

Susan Coyle first woman to lead Australian Army at a time of reform and challenge

Coyle's historic appointment marks a step forward for gender equality in the Australian armed forces where allegations of harassment and discrimination have surfaced.

Il tenente generale Susan Coyle, neo-nominata capo dell'esercito, posa per i fotografi dopo una conferenza stampa tenutasi presso il Parlamento a Canberra, in Australia, il 13 aprile 2026. Foto AAP/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS via REUTERS

2' min read

Translated by AI

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Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

For feedback, please contact
english@ilsole24ore.com

Versione italiana

Today, 134 April 2026, Australia declared that for the first time in history a woman will lead its military, as part of a reshuffle in the leadership of the country's defence forces.

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, the current head of joint capabilities, will become head of the army in July 2026, the government said in a note. She will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.

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Coyle's appointment comes at a time when the Australian Army is seeking to increase the number of female officers in its ranks.

He is facing a wave of allegations of systematic sexual harassment and discrimination.

La conferenza stampa

Susan Coyle con vice premier e premier

Il vice primo ministro Richard Marles, il primo ministro Anthony Albanese e il neo-nominato capo dell’esercito, il tenente generale Susan Coyle, posano per i fotografi dopo una conferenza stampa alla Parliament House di Canberra, in Australia, il 13 aprile 2026. (Foto AAP/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS)

"From July we will have the first woman army chief in the 125-year history of the Australian military," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a note.

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Defence Minister Richard Marles called Coyle's appointment a 'profoundly historic moment'. "As Susan told me, you cannot be what you cannot see," he said. "Susan's achievement will be profoundly significant for women serving in the Australian Defence Forces today and for women considering serving in the Australian Defence Forces in the future."

Coyle, 55, joined the army in 1987 and has held numerous high-level command roles. She will be the first woman to lead any branch of service in the army, Marles said.

Women currently make up about 21 per cent of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and 18.5 per cent of senior management roles.

The ADF has set a target of 25 per cent overall participation of women by 2030.

Last October, a class action lawsuit was filed against the ADF alleging that it had failed to protect thousands of female officers from systematic sexual assault, harassment and discrimination.

On Monday, the government also appointed Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the current head of the navy, as head of the ADF, succeeding Admiral David Johnston.

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