Former Defence Chief Tipped for Brussels Posting Amid Leadership Concerns

The Straits Times

Retired General Angus Campbell is anticipated to be named Australia’s next ambassador to the European Union, NATO, Belgium, and Luxembourg, according to military and diplomatic sources. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to announce the appointment soon, with General Campbell set to replace Ambassador Caroline Millar, whose term ends this year.

While his extensive military experience and high-level contacts are seen as assets for the NATO component of the Brussels posting, his tenure as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) has drawn significant scrutiny. A workplace survey conducted during his time as CDF revealed troubling findings: fewer than one-third of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel rated their commanders as effective. This alarming morale gap underlines broader criticisms of General Campbell’s leadership.

General Campbell led the ADF for six years, a period marked by cultural reform, strategic challenges, and controversy over war crimes allegations stemming from Australia’s operations in Afghanistan. Critics argue that he failed to hold senior commanders accountable for misconduct under their watch and struggled to address Defence’s growing personnel crisis and capability gaps.

Despite these challenges, General Campbell retains strong support from key political figures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his term as CDF in 2022, praising his contributions during a time of strategic change. Defence Minister Richard Marles similarly commended him as a pivotal leader through “necessary and difficult change.”

If appointed, General Campbell will join his wife, Stephanie Copus Campbell, in Australia’s diplomatic corps. She was named Ambassador for Gender Equality in 2022 by Senator Wong.