Meet the first woman to lead Australia’s federal police
Kat Wong and Tess Ikonomou |
Krissy Barrett joined the Australian Federal Police as a young administrative assistant and will now make history as the first woman to lead the agency.
Ms Barrett has been appointed the ninth Australian Federal Police commissioner after a 25-year career in law enforcement that has included involvement in the Solomon Islands and the Bali bombings investigation.
“I never imagined that one day I would be leading this very fine organisation,” she said.
“I promise I will be your champion, I promise I will do this uniform proud for you and 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.”
The deputy commissioner will replace Reece Kershaw in early October when he steps down after six years in the top job.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed her appointment on Monday.
“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,” he told reporters in Canberra.
“The role of the AFP is critical to keeping our nation safe.
“There is no greater honour than wearing the uniform of those that serve and protect Australians.”
Ms Barrett began her career with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant in its Melbourne office before moving up the ranks.
She said one of her key focuses would be ensuring the federal police had a “healthy workforce”.
“It’s extremely important that we have the support there, not only for the members during their work life, but also after that,” she said.
Mr Kershaw was commended for his work wrangling organised crime and maintaining relationships with policing organisations throughout the Pacific.
But he said the job had taken its toll on family life, as he retired from the role early which would have run into October 2026.
“Being a grandfather has changed me dramatically and I need to be there for my family,” Mr Kershaw said.
“Policing is such a hard profession that we work in, and we sacrifice a lot, and in particular, our family.
“It’s time for me to give back.”
Mr Albanese thanked Mr Kershaw for his decades of service.
“Reece, you have achieved an enormous amount for our nation, and I hope you feel incredibly proud,” he said.
Mr Kershaw courted some controversy during his tenure, including claims he should have declared a conflict of interest over his friendship with a PwC Australia partner with whom he discussed a contract.
AAP
