Annual Report 2003-04

Accountability Arrangements

Corporate Governance

Organisational Changes

In response to a recommendation of the Defence Procurement Review, the Capability Development Group was established in February 2004 and is headed by Lieutenant General David Hurley. It comprises Capability Systems Division, Capability Investment and Resources Division, Capability and Plans Branch, the Directorate of Trials, and the Office of Interoperability.

In February 2004, the Strategic Policy Group was renamed the Strategy Group. The Strategy Group comprised three divisions: International Policy, Strategic Policy, and Ministerial Services and Public Affairs. The last of these divisions was an amalgamation of the former Public Affairs and Corporate Communication Group and the Defence Improvement Division⁴.

In March 2004, a new Joint Operations Command was formed to provide a simpler and more direct command and control arrangement for the ADF on operations. Vice Admiral Russ Shalders was appointed the first Chief of Joint Operations, while continuing in his position as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force. The Command brought into one structure the Strategic Operations Division, the former Headquarters Australian Theatre, Headquarters Northern Command's operational responsibilities, the Joint Logistics Command and the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters.

The former Headquarters Australian Theatre is now Headquarters Joint Operations Command under the command of Major General Mark Evans who has been appointed as deputy to Vice Admiral Shalders.

4. In July 2004, the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force created a new position of Chief of Staff Australian Defence Headquarters, supported by the newly formed Coordination and Public Affairs Division. This division was drawn principally from the former Ministerial Services and Public Affairs Division and was established on 1 September 2004. Mr Michael Pezzullo was appointed in the dual role of Chief of Staff Australian Defence Headquarters and Head Coordination and Public Affairs.

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