The Government will recommend to the Administrator of the Commonwealth that Ms Krissy Barrett APM be appointed the ninth Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner.

This will be a historic appointment for the AFP, with Ms Barrett becoming the first woman to hold the position of Commissioner.

Bringing close to 25 years of law enforcement experience to the position, Ms Barrett is recognised for her leadership capability. She also has expertise in community policing and operations, counter terrorism first response, serious financial crime, and transnational serious and organised crime. In her most recent position as a Deputy Commissioner with the AFP, Ms Barrett has managed the National Security portfolio.

For her distinguished service to the Solomon Islands and Bali Bombings investigation, Ms Barrett was recognised for her leadership and contribution with a Police Overseas Service Medal in 2004 and an Operations Medal in 2005.

Ms Barrett’s appointment will commence on 4 October 2025 for a five-year period.

The Government thanks Mr Reece Kershaw APM for his decades of service and commitment to protecting Australians and Australia’s interest, including six years as AFP Commissioner. We wish him and his family all the best for the future. He has made an extraordinary contribution to public life and we are grateful for his service.