The founding Commander of the ADC was Rear Admiral Raydon Gates CSM, RAN.

On 14 March 2001 the then Governor–General, Sir William Deane, officially opened the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC).

The DSSC is intended for senior Service and civilian officers of mainly Colonel (equiv) rank.

The DSSC is intended to give officers of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Public Service and overseas participants the knowledge and skills required by senior leaders and managers operating in the national security environment.

The interconnected thematic core curriculum blocks that are: Successful completion of the DSSC is considered necessary for promotion to Brigadier (equivalent) rank in the Australian Defence Force.

At about 4.15pm on 30 January 2006, part of the roof collapsed into the staff offices on the second floor used by the ACSC at the Geddes building.

Current Commandant: Air Commodore Jules Adams Rector: Professor Emma Sparks