Defence chief Houston to have surgery

Defence chief Angus Houston will take leave to have his prostate gland removed.
Air Chief Marshal Houston, 63, has led defence since July 2005, overseeing
Australia's highest rate of military activity since Vietnam.
"It is important for my health that I have a medical procedure in the coming weeks -
I will undergo prostate surgery," Air Chief Marshal Houston said in a statement.
"I expect to be able to resume my duties in the not too distant future. I will not
be making any further public comment until I return to work."
Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley will be acting Chief
of the Defence Force from Wednesday.
Defence Minister John Faulkner sent his best wishes to Air Chief Marshal Houston.
"I have the utmost regard for Angus Houston," he said in a statement.
"He has my sincere best wishes, and I look forward to seeing him back at work in the
near future."