Patron - Major General Elizabeth Cosson AM CSC

DFA was pleased to welcome Major General Elizabeth Cosson AM CSC as its patron in June 2011.

DFA enjoyed a good working relationship with Liz during her time with Defence and looks forward to working with her to raise the profile of Defence Families within Government, the veteran community and among the general public.

Biography

After Liz joined the Australian Army in 1979 she graduated as a Second Lieutenant into the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps before transferring to the Royal Australian Ordnance Corps.

During her service, Liz served in a variety of roles ranging from supply, administrative, policy development, planning, representational and operational appointments in Australia and overseas. 

In 2001, Liz was recognised for her strong leadership and management skills and awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for her service in planning the logistics support to operations in East Timor and for her time as the Chief of Staff of the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville. 

Liz was the first female to attain the rank of Major General in the Australian Army when she was appointed as the Head of Defence Support Operations in November 2007.

After a distinguished 31 year career in the Australian Army, Liz was appointed to the Australian Public Service as the General Manager, Executive Division, Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 30 November 2010.

Liz was recognised and appointed a Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia in the 2011 Australia Day honours for her contributions to Army and for delivering profound organisational reform.