The Australian Federal Police has appointed Hilda Sirec APM as its new Deputy Commissioner for National Security, strengthening the organisation’s leadership as it confronts evolving domestic and global threats.
Announcing the appointment, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the promotion followed a rigorous selection process and underscored the AFP’s commitment to protecting Australia and its future. The role became vacant in October last year following the Commissioner’s own appointment.
Deputy Commissioner Sirec will oversee commands central to national security operations, working alongside Deputy Commissioner Crime Ian McCartney, Deputy Commissioner International and Specialist Capabilities Lesa Gale, Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee in his capacity as ACT Chief Police Officer, and Chief Operating Officer Katherine Van Gurp.
Commissioner Barrett said Deputy Commissioner Sirec brought “a wealth of experience, capability and leadership” to the senior executive team, noting her broad operational background and reputation across the national security community.
“Deputy Commissioner Sirec is highly regarded within the AFP and throughout Australia’s law enforcement and national security agencies,” she said.
“Her experience ranges from community policing through to the most complex investigations, and everything in between.”
With almost 25 years’ service at the Australian Federal Police, Deputy Commissioner Sirec has built deep expertise across counter-terrorism, organised crime, global operations, child protection, human trafficking and people smuggling. Most recently, she served as Assistant Commissioner, Southern Command, leading AFP operations across Victoria and Tasmania.
Her career includes leading Joint Counter Terrorism Teams in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as heading the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. She has also undertaken demanding overseas deployments, including to Ukraine following the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, to Afghanistan to help train and build capacity within the Afghan National Police, and a posting to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Commissioner Barrett said Deputy Commissioner Sirec’s leadership and professionalism would be critical as the AFP continues to respond to complex security challenges. “Importantly, she has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, and I am pleased to welcome her to the AFP Senior Executive Team,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Sirec was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her meritorious service and commitment to the Australian community.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
