Backlash on social media criticising the appointment of the first woman to lead the Australian army has been described as “despicable”, as experts say more work is needed to improve representation across defence.

Susan Coyle, current chief of joint capabilities, will be the first woman to be appointed head of any branch of the Australian Defence Force when she steps into the role of chief of army in July.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on Monday, also naming Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as the incoming chief of the Australian Defence Force.

However, Coyle’s appointment has drawn considerable criticism on social media, and in some elements of the mainstream media – including that her appointment is mostly due to diversity, equality and inclusion requirements.

“It does no one, not women, not people of colour or any minorities, any favours if they’re shoe-horned into positions versus on earning them on merit,” 2GB host Lucy Zelic said on Monday, without offering any evidence that was the case for Coyle.

On Tuesday, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy hit back at social media commentary that accused the appointment being one of diversity and inclusion.

“It’s despicable and disgraceful,” he told ABC Radio.

“She’s incredibly professional, intelligent, a soldier who lives the values of the Australian Defence Force.

“She was selected because she was the best candidate.”

Conroy said anyone spreading hate needed to “have a good, hard look at themselves” and look at her extensive qualifications.

Backlash against the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle has been labelled “disgraceful”. Photo: AAP

Coyle enlisted as a soldier in the army reserves in 1987 and has since been deployed to East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan.

In 2020, she was the first woman to command the joint task force for all Australian operations in the Middle East.

While there would be much focus on what the appointment meant for women, defence expert Jennifer Parker said Coyle’s impressive service during her career must be acknowledged.

“Men and women, particularly those within the ADF, should be very proud of this day … Lieutenant General Coyle has significant operational and professional experience and has led a range of commands throughout her career,” Parker said.

“It has taken us too long to get here, and I think we shouldn’t take this as read that everything is solved in terms of representation across the ADF.”

Parker, who served in the Royal Australian Navy for more than 20 years and is an expert associate at the ANU National Security College, said it was only in 2013 that restrictions on women serving in all defence roles were removed.

“We should reflect on how much things have changed, but also that there is still more to do,” she said.

“It’s incredibly important for women to see the opportunities available to them … this is a significant moment for the army, but I wonder how long it will still take for a woman to be appointed the head of the navy or air force.”

Coyle’s appointment comes as the defence force grapples with allegations from female veterans about sexual abuse and harassment experienced during their service.

About 2500 women have joined a landmark class action case against the Commonwealth, alleging a culture of systemic sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination within the ADF.

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-AAP