Australian defence portfolio casualties

The defence portfolio has in recent years been a minefield for both sides of politics, with tours of duty commonly lasting less than two years.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MINISTERS OVER PAST DECADE

* Senator Robert Hill - served under John Howard for four years and 55 days

* Brendan Nelson - served under John Howard for one year and 317 days

* Joel Fitzgibbon - served under Kevin Rudd for one year and 188 days

* Senator John Faulkner - served under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard for one year and 97 days

* Stephen Smith - served under Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd for three years and four days

* Senator David Johnston - served under Tony Abbott for one year and 96 days

* Kevin Andrews - served under Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull for 270 days.