The insignia for a lieutenant general is the Crown of St Edward above a crossed sword and baton.

From 1 January 1909 to 18 February 1997, the most senior Australian Army position was named Chief of the General Staff.

The first Australian lieutenant general to occupy this position was Sir Brudenell White, from 1 June 1920.

Lieutenant General John Baker was the first army officer to occupy the position (October 1992 – April 1995).

A third three-star position, Chief of Capability Development Group (CCDG), which also rotates between the forces, was created in 2003.