Australia Appoints First Female Federal Police Commissioner in Historic Decision
The Australian government announced Tuesday the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett as the nation's ninth Federal Police Commissioner, making her the first woman to lead the Australian Federal Police in the organization's history.
Barrett, who brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role, will assume command Oct. 4 for a five-year term, succeeding Commissioner Rhys Kershaw, who announced his retirement after nearly 11 years in the position.
"Today's announcement is a historic appointment for the Australian Government and for the AFP, with Ms Barrett becoming the first woman to hold the position of Commissioner," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a press conference at Parliament House.
The Cabinet approved Barrett's appointment Tuesday, with confirmation by the Governor-General expected later this week. Her selection comes at a critical time as Australia faces evolving security challenges, including organized crime, cyber threats and social cohesion issues.
Barrett currently manages the AFP's national security portfolio as Deputy Commissioner and has established expertise in community policing, counter-terrorism response, serious financial crime and transnational organized crime operations.
"I am truly humbled to serve as the 9th Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police," Barrett said. "I first started my career with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant down in our Melbourne office and I never imagined that one day I would be leading this very fine organisation."
The AFP has grown significantly under her watch, now employing more than 8,000 people across 30 countries worldwide. Barrett's career includes distinguished service in high-profile international operations, earning her the Police Overseas Medal in 2004 and Operations Medal in 2005 for her leadership during the Solomon Islands and Bali bombings investigations.
Kershaw, who served as commissioner since 2019, cited family considerations in his decision to retire Oct. 3. The 58-year-old leader said becoming a grandfather had shifted his priorities.
"I'm coming up to almost 11 years as a Commissioner and as you'd appreciate it takes its toll on the family life and being a grandfather has changed me dramatically and I need to be there for my family," Kershaw said.
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During his tenure, Kershaw oversaw significant organizational changes, including the establishment of the Foreign Interference Task Force, expansion of cyber capabilities and the confiscation of $1.2 billion in criminal assets. His leadership also strengthened policing relationships throughout the Pacific region.
Minister Tony Burke, who oversees the AFP, said Barrett was an immediate and unanimous choice for the role.
"Immediately after that I went and let the Prime Minister know where things were up to and the Prime Minister and I both immediately had the same name in mind and that is for Chrissie Barrett to be the ninth Federal Police Commissioner," Burke said.
Barrett outlined key priorities for her tenure, including maintaining Australia's safety while addressing emerging threats from criminals with mixed motivations who threaten national security. She specifically mentioned the AFP's recent creation of Special Operation Avalite, launched in late 2024 to focus on anti-Semitism, and a new national security investigations capability dedicated to hate crimes.
"As Commissioner, I will ensure the AFP continues to keep Australians safe, protects the vulnerable and identifies and disrupts an emerging cohort of criminals who have mixed motivations and threaten our national security," Barrett said.
The appointment comes amid heightened security concerns following recent mass rallies in Sydney and Melbourne. When questioned about federal responses to these demonstrations, Barrett emphasized the AFP's close cooperation with state and territory partners.
"We have recently created a national security investigations capability dedicated to hate crimes and to the role that we play in social cohesion and I did say that I would have a bit more to say about my priorities going forward but absolutely that is right at the top of the list," she said.
Barrett also committed to addressing officer welfare, particularly supporting veterans transitioning from law enforcement careers. Recent cases of former AFP officers struggling with post-career challenges have highlighted the need for improved support systems.
"One of my key focuses will be ensuring that we have a healthy workforce, but also in terms of those members who have given service over such a long period of time," she said. "It's extremely important that we have the support there, not only for the members during their work life, but also after that."
The new commissioner's unconventional career path within the AFP began in administrative support rather than as a uniformed officer. She also gained experience in ACT community policing, providing her with diverse perspectives on law enforcement operations.
"Krissy Barrett has an unusual history in the Australian Federal Police, having started not as a uniformed officer and also having worked in the ACT and community policing as well," Burke noted.
Barrett acknowledged the historic nature of her appointment while emphasizing her commitment to serving all Australians.
"Certainly it's an absolute honour and privilege to be appointed as the Commissioner and I'm very aware it's a significant milestone for the AFP and for women in policing more broadly," she said. "I have been very fortunate to have some fantastic role models throughout my career, both men and women, and I do hope that I can play that role for aspiring leaders that are on their own journey within law enforcement."
Addressing AFP personnel directly during the announcement, Barrett promised strong advocacy for the workforce.
"You make me proud every day with your dedication and your selflessness. You run towards the danger. You see the worst of humanity, yet you still come to work day in, day out because of your commitment to service," she said. "To all of you, I promise I will be your champion. I promise I will do this uniform proud for you."
The AFP's expanding international presence under Barrett's leadership will continue to focus on regional security partnerships, particularly in the Pacific. The organization maintains operational capabilities across multiple continents while addressing domestic challenges including cybercrime, terrorism and organized criminal networks.
Kershaw expressed confidence in the transition, praising Barrett's leadership capabilities and deep understanding of AFP operations.
"Commissioner Kershaw has been a true mentor for me and for many others in the AFP," Barrett said. "Commissioner Kershaw, thank you for what you have done for our members and thank you for what you have done for our country."
The outgoing commissioner reflected on his tenure with satisfaction, emphasizing the AFP's role in community safety.
"I'd like to think that we have made the community safer. And the people of the AFP, they're incredible people, committed, professional, based all over the world, and they do some fantastic work," Kershaw said.
Prime Minister Albanese praised Kershaw's service, highlighting his availability during national crises.
"During particular events, all of which we would rather not have to deal with, Commissioner Kershaw has been absolutely on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with his commitment to his fellow Australians," Albanese said.
Barrett's appointment reflects broader changes within Australian law enforcement leadership as the nation adapts to evolving security challenges. Her extensive experience across multiple AFP divisions positions her to address complex threats requiring coordinated responses between domestic and international operations.
The AFP's role has expanded significantly beyond traditional federal policing to encompass cybersecurity, counter-intelligence and international cooperation. Barrett's background in national security operations aligns with these expanded responsibilities.
"The AFP's remit experience and capabilities have changed dramatically over the years. We now police in an ever-changing and ever-challenging environment," Barrett noted. "But despite these challenges, the AFP's agility and innovation has ensured that we are a constant and dependable source of protection for Australians and Australia's way of life."
Her leadership will be tested immediately as Australia navigates complex domestic security issues, including managing social tensions and preventing the importation of overseas conflicts into Australian communities.
The transition period between commissioners will be brief, with Barrett assuming full responsibilities just one day after Kershaw's departure. This quick handover reflects the critical nature of AFP operations and the need for continuous leadership during uncertain times.
Barrett concluded her remarks with a commitment to maintaining the AFP's operational excellence while adapting to new challenges.
"To every Australian, I will be devoted to protecting you and our way of life, and I commit to working as hard as I can every single day, like every AFP commissioner before me," she said.
The appointment represents a significant milestone for gender equality in Australian law enforcement leadership while ensuring continuity in the nation's federal policing capabilities during a period of heightened security concerns.
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