Outgoing defence chief Admiral David Johnston has approved the next round of promotions for his most senior officers, and the creation of at least three new star-ranked positions, despite concerns Australia has one of the most “top-heavy” militaries in the world.

Details of the ADF’s growing “galaxy of stars” have emerged as the next Defence Chief backtracked on claims the government directed him to speak at an exclusive Washington event earlier this year hosted by former Liberal Minister turned lobbyist Christopher Pyne.

In a notice to ADF personnel last week, obtained by The Nightly, Admiral Johnston details the latest “Senior Officer Appointments”, which include a newly established position for “Head Capability Development”, to be filled by an Army Major General.

Military insiders say Admiral Johnston is this week expected to confirm further promotions within Defence’s senior leadership group, as well as new star-ranked positions, before his term as Chief formally ends later this month.

Star-ranked officers, or ‘flag officers’ are those who serve at the Commodore, Brigadier or Air Commodore level and higher in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force respectively.

“The Royal Australian Navy has an ever-growing galaxy of admirals and commodores, and you never know, maybe one day they will have the submarines and ships to fit them all in,” Greens Senator David Shoebridge tells The Nightly.

“This is just the latest example of how self-serving the higher ranks of the ADF has become with Australia having one of the most top-heavy militaries in the planet”.

“If gold braid had a military purpose any adversary would certainly be frightened off by the glint coming from the Australian military. I just don’t think that’s how the military is meant to work though”.

Earlier this year figures obtained by The Nightly revealed there had been almost 30 additional positions created at the highest levels of the ADF since 2023, at which time there was already 219 “star-ranked” officers serving.

The latest round of senior ADF officer appointments has been unveiled as the Albanese government continues a global search for the newly created position of National Armaments Director, to run the soon to be established Defence Delivery Agency (DDA).

Several sources have confirmed to The Nightly that London based senior defence industry and former Australian Army officer Gabby Costigan and turned down multiple approaches to become the inaugural head of the new DDA.

A recruitment process is also underway to find a new head of the Australian Submarine Agency to replace the inaugural director, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, who is due to finish his term shortly.

Navy Chief backtracks

During Senate estimates, Greens Senator David Shoebridge has also quizzed Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond about his appearance at the $5000 per head event run by the Pyne & Partners lobbying firm, as revealed by The Nightly in April.

Admiral Hammond, who will next month become Defence Chief, revealed he was directed by the Government to speak at the Washington event following an invitation from the firm owned by former Liberal Defence Minister Christopher Pyne.

“That invitation came in late last year, it was referred to the Minister’s office and I was directed to support it,” Admiral Hammond said when questioned by Senator Shoebridge about his appearance at Washington’s exclusive Cosmos Club.

“I don’t solicit speaking engagements, I don’t freewheel in that respect senator. When I’m asked to do media engagements or directed to do them, I do them”.

Following a break in the committee proceedings for lunch, Admiral Hammond backtracked on his previous evidence after “checking in” with his staff to seek further clarification.

“It is more accurate to say that my speech at the dinner in Washington DC was consulted with and approved by the office of the deputy prime minister,” he told senators.

Admiral Hammond also disputed the cost to attend his speaking engagement, pointing out that the overall price to attend the 3-day AUKUS conference was $4950, which included the dinner he addressed.