Hellwig stood down from the role after resigning as chief executive of the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). 

McLoughlin herself had been replaced as Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014 after having to relinquish the position because of personal problems. 

McLoughlin, currently general manager of Paralympic Performance at the APC, was Deputy Chef de Mission under Hellwig at London 2012, where Australia finished fifth overall with a total of 85 medals, including 32 gold. 

“Kate’s leadership skills, work ethic and proven ability to excel in the unique and challenging environment of a Games makes her the ideal leader of the Australian Team, which is preparing for the first Paralympics to be held in South America,” APC President Glenn Tasker said.

“Kate was heavily involved in Australia’s success at both the London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games.

"She knows exactly what is needed to deliver a comprehensive Games campaign where nothing is left to chance, and the APC Board is confident in Kate’s ability to drive an outstanding Rio campaign.”

With two sports - canoeing and triathlon -  making their debut at Rio, McLoughlin is set to lead almost 400 athletes and officials across 16 sports, the largest Australian team to compete overseas at a Paralympics

“The position of Chef de Mission is a huge honour, but also a huge responsibility,” McLoughlin said.

“To provide our Paralympic athletes with an optimal performance environment, as well as the best overall Games experience, is a core responsibility of the APC which I am absolutely dedicated to achieving.

“The APC, our athletes, officials and support staff have one common goal and that’s to unite as a team within a supportive culture that breeds success.

“We’re currently 16 months out from Rio and our team is already shaping up to be a strong one.

"The Australian Sports Commission’s Sports Tally results released recently were encouraging, and although a top five finish is ambitious, I’m sure this team won’t take a backwards step in trying to meet the challenges ahead.”

McLoughlin is optimistic that, thanks to Australia's new deal with the Seven Network to cover Rio 2016, there will be even more interest in the Paralympics.

With the Seven Network set to provide unprecedented coverage of the Rio Paralympic Games across its television channels and digital platforms, McLoughlin said there is so much to be excited about.

“Our new media rights deal brings with it an enormous opportunity for the Australian Paralympic movement to reach a new audience and we hope to take full advantage of it,” McLoughlin said.

“Having spoken to many of our athletes in recent weeks, they are already excited about marching in the Opening Ceremony at Maracanã Stadium, with more Australians viewers set to tune in than ever before.

“To be able to watch Paralympic sport against the backdrop of Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach, blended together with the exuberance of the Brazilian people, all of whom seem to have a tremendous appetite for sport, Rio is shaping up to be an unforgettable Games.”