SYDNEY: Australia has named its first-ever woman Army Chief in its 125-year-old military history. Lieutenant General Susan Quail will become the next Army Chief of the Australian Army, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stewart from this July.
With over four decades of military service under her belt, Lieutenant General Quail holds several high-ranking positions, with important responsibilities in the military operations in Afghanistan and assignments in the Middle East. The appointment of General Quail is a great achievement not only in terms of Australia’s military leadership but also in the advancement of women in the nation’s armed forces.
According to foreign media reports, the appointment of General Quail is part of the country’s military strategy to have more women in the Australian Army, which has been accused of harassment cases against its female personnel.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, congratulated General Quail on her historic achievement, saying, “It is a significant move in the Australian Army’s history. Lieutenant General Susan Quail’s contribution to the armed forces will be a driving force in the future.” Defense Minister Richard Marles also commented on the appointment as a “historic occasion.”
Currently, women make up 21% of the Australian Defence Force, with women in senior ranks comprising 18.5% of the total. The Australian Defence Force has set a goal to increase female representation to 25% by 2030.
