Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett has been named the new head of the AFP, taking over as Commissioner in October. She will succeed Reece Kershaw, who is stepping down a year earlier than planned.
Ms Barrett will be the ninth person to hold the role but the first woman in the position since the AFP was established. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the significance of the appointment during Monday’s announcement, praising her extensive experience and leadership skills.
Ms Barrett brings nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience, including expertise in community policing, counter terrorism, serious financial crime, and transnational organized crime. In her most recent role, she managed the National Security portfolio.
Her contributions to the Solomon Islands mission and the Bali Bombings investigation earned her the Police Overseas Service Medal in 2004 and the Operations Medal in 2005.
The five-year appointment will officially begin on 4 October 2025. Mr Albanese thanked the outgoing Commissioner for his decades of dedication.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also welcomed the appointment, describing it as a landmark moment. Ms Ley also paid tribute to Mr Kershaw, praising his more than 30 years of service to the Australian community, including nearly six years at the helm of the AFP.
