A significant reshuffle of Australia's national security leadership is on the horizon. 

Reports say the Albanese government is set to appoint new heads across its key security agencies, as part of a strategic pivot to help the nation navigate the dual challenges of enhancing ties with China and countering potential cyber threats and regional assertiveness from Beijing. 

The anticipated changes will see new leadership within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), and the Australian Border Force (ABF) in coming months.

This leadership transition coincides with ongoing security reviews aimed at recalibrating the structure, funding, and priorities of the national intelligence community and assessing government support for research on national security by think tanks and universities.

Defence Minister Richard Marles faces the immediate task of naming the next chief of the Defence Force, with General Angus Campbell set to depart in July. 

The choice is reportedly between Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, highlighting a pivotal moment for the ADF's leadership direction.

As the government shifts its focus to the appointments for ASIO and AFP by mid-year, the current directors-general of security and the Federal Police Commissioner, Mike Burgess and Reece Kershaw respectively, are at the end of their terms. 

In the midst of these transitions, the potential appointment of Catherine Burn, the deputy head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and former deputy commissioner of the NSW Police Force, to a leading role within ASIO or the AFP is seen as a sign of the government's intent to diversify leadership within its intelligence and security framework.