CANBERRA – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Krissy Barrett, a 20-year policing veteran, as the first female commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), following the resignation of Reece Kershaw.
At a press conference in Canberra, Albanese praised Barrett’s leadership capabilities and experience in community policing, counter-terrorism, and serious financial crime.
Barrett, currently a Deputy Commissioner with the AFP, has managed the national security portfolio and is renowned for her distinguished service to the soliies and the Bali bombings investigation.
Kershaw’s resignation, effective October 3, was announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who revealed that he was informed of the commissioner’s plans to retire last month.
Kershaw cited a desire to spend more time with his family and grandchildren.
The outgoing commissioner faced intense political pressure in recent months over his handling of the January 19 Dural caravan terror saga, which was later found to be a bogus terror plot.
Barrett had previously stated that the incident was a “criminal con job” rather than a legitimate terrorist threat.
Opposition leaders had called for an independent inquiry into the government’s handling of the incident, alleging a political cover-up.
Kershaw’s silence on the matter had been criticized, and questions were raised about the AFP’s inaction regarding the public alarm over the alleged threat.