Warrant Officer of the Navy

The Warrant Officer of the Navy (WO-N), is responsible to the Chief of Navy (CN), and as the most senior ranking sailor in the Navy is entitled to exercise command over all other Sailors in the RAN. The WO-N is a member of the personal staff of the CN and as such, operates from the office of the CN and is a member of Chief of Navy's Senior Advisory Committee (CNSAC). The WO-N's primary duty is to represent to CN and others the solicited and unsolicited views, concerns and opinions of Sailors, which affect the Navy as a whole. In addition, the WO-N is responsible for:

• Assisting in the overall maintenance of discipline and morale of Sailors in the RAN
• Providing input as necessary to ad hoc reviews/inquiries
• Channelling feedback to Navy Headquarters Directorates
• Representing Sailors on standing committees
• Advising any Officer seeking advice on matters relating to Sailors in general
• The management of all Warrant Officer positions as the Rank Sponsor.

WO-N provides administrative advice and input to the CN of any need to review regulations or conditions of service, monitors the effectiveness of the Divisional System, and guides Warrant Officers and Senior Sailors Messes on matters of administration, and protocol. He maintains a close working relationship with the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force.

Either by invitation alone or in company with the CN (or representatives) the WO-N is the senior non-commissioned representative of personnel at significant ceremonial occasions, appropriate functions and civil receptions. In addition to being a permanent member of formal advisory groups and councils, WO-N is also a Director on the Boards of Navy Health Pty Ltd.

Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth was appointed Warrant Officer of the Navy on 22 November 2019.