Ray Griggs

Vice Admiral Raymond James Griggs, (born July 1961) is an Australian former senior public servant and senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy. He served as Chief of Navy from June 2011 to June 2014, before being appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Force until his transfer to the reserve in July 2018.

Following his transfer to the reserves, Griggs held the appointment of the Associate Secretary of the Indigenous Affairs Group within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and was the inaugural CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency. He was Secretary of the Department of Social Services from 22 July 2021 until 10 December 2024.

Early years Griggs was born in Homebush, New South Wales, in July 1961 to James and Maureen Griggs.

Naval career Griggs joined the Adelaide Port Division of the Royal Australian Navy Reserve in 1978 as a radio operator. After four years in the post and 40 years of service, Griggs transferred to the reserve on 6 July 2018 and was replaced as VCDF by Vice Admiral David Johnston.

Post military career Following his transfer to the reserves, Griggs held the appointment of the Associate Secretary of the Indigenous Affairs Group within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and was the inaugural CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

On 9 July 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Griggs' appointment as Secretary of the Department of Social Services, with effect from 22 July 2021.

Other activities Griggs is an honorary patron of the ACT Veterans Rugby Club.

On 15 January 2020, it was announced that Griggs would be one of the members of the National Co-design Group of the Indigenous voice to government.

Education Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland

Griggs has also been awarded the RAN's "Principal Warfare Officer" badge and the RAN's "Sea Readiness Badge" with Gold Star.