The head of the Australian cabinet, Scott Morrison, on Friday appointed Rachel Noble as Australian Signals Directorate.

For the first time in Australian history, a woman led one of the country's intelligence services, ABC reported.

“Her appointment to this leadership role is a significant step forward for women in the national security sector and we congratulate her," Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said in a statement.

She is expected to begin direct duties at ASD in February 2020.