Labor extends term of Australian defence force chief Angus Campbell by two years

Defence minister Richard Marles says continuity in ADF leadership important for Aukus but warns of nuclear-powered submarine delay

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The chief and vice chief of the Australian defence force have had their terms extended by two years as the new government warns the country cannot afford any more delay" to the delivery of new submarines.

The acting prime minister, Richard Marles, said continuity at the top of the ADF would help Australia to bed down the Aukus deal with the US and the UK, but he said the nuclear-powered submarines would not be ready soon".