Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Krissy Barrett will become the first woman to lead the Australian Federal Police (AFP), taking over from outgoing Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
“Congratulations to Krissy Barrett who has been appointed as the next Australian Federal Police Commissioner,” Albanese said during a press conference in Canberra.
“Krissy has more than 20 years’ experience in policing, from counter-terrorism to organised crime. She’s the obvious choice for the role.”
Barrett will officially begin her five-year term on 4 October 2025, following the retirement of Kershaw, who has served as Commissioner since 2019.
Barrett currently oversees the AFP’s national security portfolio as Deputy Commissioner. Throughout her 25-year career, she has built a reputation for strong leadership and operational expertise in areas ranging from community policing to serious financial and transnational crime.
She also gained national attention for publicly revealing that the infamous Dural caravan incident was a “criminal con job.”
For her contributions to international investigations, including in the Solomon Islands and the Bali bombings, Barrett was awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal in 2004 and the Operations Medal in 2005.
According to news.com.au, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Commissioner Kershaw had informed him of his retirement plans last month in a private meeting.
While Prime Minister Albanese publicly acknowledged Kershaw’s “extraordinary contribution to public life,” the AFP issued a cautious statement, saying:
“Commissioner Kershaw has not submitted his resignation and the AFP has no further comment at this stage.”
Kershaw’s formal resignation is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.
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