Good afternoon CDF, Secretary, fellow Chiefs

Defence senior leaders and command warrant officers

Ngunnawal Elder - Auntie Violet

Distinguished guests, families and friends. 

And importantly – members of Joint Capabilities Group. 

When I was appointed as Chief of Joint Capabilities in July 2024, I knew the importance of the role as a steward and the responsibility that it carried. What I did not realise at the time was just how much I would truly love this privilege, and how much we would achieve to continue to grow the capabilities. 

As the amazing commands team across our group will attest, it has not been an easy journey, but good things never are. It has been one marked by trials, challenges, and at times uncertainty, but also by achievement, growth, laughter, and genuine success.

Over this past two-year chapter in our nine-year history, I have witnessed continued incredible growth across Joint Capabilities Group. Growth in our capability. Out training. Growth in our partnerships and engagements. And most importantly, growth in our people and belonging. 

And that is where I want to begin - our people.

I am immensely proud of the 10,000 men and women of Joint Capabilities Group – our ADF, APS and contractors. All teammates together. I have been proud to work alongside Warrant Officer Suzie Hall as the Command Warrant Officer, and now the incoming Warrant Officer Joint Operations. And before her, Warrant Officer Gary Anderson. I am also proud to see Warrant Officer Rachelle Burnett here on parade as the next Command Warrant Officer for Joint Capabilities Group.

Together we are proud not just of what you have achieved, but by the manner in which you have achieved it. 

Your resilience when things were difficult. Your quiet professionalism when no one was watching. Your determination to find a way forward when the path wasn’t clear. Building emerging domains and new concepts amid changing strategic circumstances will do that. But we all leave it better than we found it, and you have and will continue to do so. 

Every success we celebrate today is a direct result of your effort, your sacrifice, and your belief in what we are building together. Supported and encouraged by the other parts of Defence and more broadly. 

Our motto “Our people, our edge” is not just a phrase. It is something that JCG truly lives by. Because of your support, we are ready to fight tonight, tomorrow, and together. It has been the privilege of my career to serve alongside each you. 

If I were retiring today, I would be feeling an entirely different range of emotions. Instead, I feel joy and gratitude because I can continue to have a front row seat to support our group and to be a steward for all our five warfighting domains. 

As I prepare to transition to another role tomorrow in which I know I will be working with purpose and an Army full of amazing people, I do so with complete confidence in the future of this Group.

To Air Marshal Glen Braz, a friend, and someone who will continue to steward our Group – congratulations to you and Sharni as you step into this incredibly amazing role. I have said it before and I will say it again, strap in my friend, it will be an amazing ride. 

This is an appointment of great responsibility, but it is equally an appointment of incredible opportunity. And I look how far we have come in the first nine years. Imagine the next nine. Glen like me, this is not our first time in the Group so it is incredibly powerful for somebody to come back to be the Chief who has been serving in the senior leadership of this Group. 

I have no doubt you will lead with pride, humility, and clarity of purpose. You inherit an amazing headquarters, command teams across the Group who are standing by ready to support you. They’re capable, professional and they’re committed in every way - and I know you will take them even further.

To my CJC predecessors, especially JJ – the weather is much better this year. To CDF, Secretary and colleagues across Defence and beyond, and especially the functional command teams across our Group, thank you. The work of our Group does not happen in isolation. It is built on trust, influence, collaboration, and shared purpose over many years. We are stronger because of each and every one of you. 

To our CDF - Admiral David Johnston. Like your predecessor, sir, you’ve been an amazing steward to support the development of Space, Cyber and National Support. Your guidance, your trust, and your example have not only shaped this organisation, but me as a leader and I thank you. It has been an honour to serve under your command in multiple appointments over many years. You will be missed by many.

And finally, to my friends and family. Yes, you’re right – we are not quite ready to retire. Your love and support remain my foundation, now as it has in the past – especially Mark’s. 

I do not say it often enough, but thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made, the patience you have shown, and the strength you continue to give me.

My kids – Jess, Susie and Jack are my greatest achievement and I am so grateful that we have taken this remarkable journey together. As I said at my last change of command ceremony - I suspect it may only get even crazier from here. I can now confirm, it is going to get crazier. But crazy good.  

In closing, I leave this role as Chief of Space and Cyber and Chief of National Support within Joint Capabilities Group with a deep sense of pride in what we have achieved, in the amazing people who make up our Group, and in the future that lies ahead.

This Group is in great hands. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chief.