AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw during a Senate Estimates hearing.
Share this @internewscast.com

Australia’s top cop Reece Kershaw has resigned after a tumultuous few months as AFP commissioner.

Kershaw will leave his post a year earlier than planned and is set to retire following recent speculation he had handed in his resignation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Kershaw had achieved an “enormous amount” for Australia while announcing his retirement in Canberra today.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw during a Senate Estimates hearing.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has resigned. (Alex Ellinghausen)

“I hope you feel incredibly proud. We certainly wish you all the best as you get to spend precious time with your family,” the PM said.

“Commissioner Kershaw has made an extraordinary contribution to public life, and we are deeply grateful for his service.”

Kershaw was appointed commissioner in 2019.

Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus extended his contract for another two years in 2024.

The government has recommended AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett to replace Kershaw.

The historic appointment will see Barrett become the first woman to hold the AFP commissioner title in Australian history.

Barrett’s appointment will begin on October 4 for a five-year period.

Krissy Barrett, new AFP Commissioner
New AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett. (9News)

“I began my journey with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant in our Melbourne office, and I never envisioned that, one day, I would be at the helm of this distinguished organization, which now includes a workforce of over 8,000 people and maintains a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide,” Barrett stated.

“As commissioner, my focus will be on ensuring that the AFP continues to safeguard Australians, protect the vulnerable, and track down and hinder a new breed of criminals with diverse motives that pose a threat to our national security.”

Kershaw leaves the top job following controversy around the AFP’s handling of the Dural caravan terror saga earlier this year.

The former AFP boss faced criticism after refusing to confirm when Albanese was briefed over the January incident.

Kershaw said he was leaving the job to spend more time with his family.

“Being a grandfather has changed me dramatically, and I need to be there for my family,” Kershaw said after the announcement of his resignation.

“Policing is an incredibly demanding profession… we make significant sacrifices, particularly concerning our families. For instance, my wife’s career, which she set aside to support me, so now it’s time for me to reciprocate.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires’ Disease in NYC: Outbreak Expands with 2 Fatalities and 58 Illnesses

In New York City, fifty-eight individuals have been confirmed to have Legionnaires’…

Donald Trump on Israel’s Decision Regarding Gaza Occupation Amid Takeover Reports

United States President Donald Trump did not express clear support or opposition…
Titan submersible implosion was 'preventable', US Coast Guard finds

U.S. Coast Guard Determines Titan Submersible Implosion Could Have Been Avoided

The US Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) tasked with examining…
For the first time, Trump hints at the next leader of MAGA

Trump Teases Possible Successor for MAGA Movement

US President Donald Trump has hinted at who might take up the…
Bill and Hilary Clinton subpoenaed in Epstein congressional probe

Clintons called to testify in Epstein-related congressional investigation

The House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena to the Justice Department…
'Entitled behaviour': Family claims 'their' parking space with road cone

“Family Uses Traffic Cone to Reserve Parking Spot, Sparking Debate on Entitlement”

The card left on a New Zealand man’s windscreen didn’t pull any…
Labubu dolls in various outfits are neatly displayed inside a Pop Mart store.

The $65 Billion Viral Trend Set for a Major Downfall

One of Australia’s leading hedge funds believes the viral Labubu craze is…
Measles morbillivirus structure - 3d rendered image. Abstract background.

Highly Infectious Illness Found in Remote Outback Area

Health officials in Western Australia are urging fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers to get…
Sydney tradie Paulo Mau'u has been remembered as a dedicated family man

Construction Worker and Father Tragically Dies in Unusual Site Incident; Heartbreaking Details of His Last Moments Revealed

A tradesman has recalled horrific details of how a co-worker was crushed…
Tyra Banks (pictured) has barely changed since her days as a Victoria's Secret runway model. The 51-year-old, who is one of America's original supermodels, is now living in Australia, where she runs an ice cream store

Tyra Banks, 51, Dazzles in a Youthful Leather Corset Look at Freakier Friday Premiere in Sydney

Tyra Banks has barely changed since her days as a Victoria’s Secret runway…
Bruce Perry, 17, shows his ChatGPT history at a coffee shop in Russellville, Ark., Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Katie Adkins)

Report Suggests AI Could Inject Billions into Economy if Not Deterred by Strict Regulations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could contribute over $116 billion to the Australian economy…
Girl, 13, arrested after fatal stabbing of 14-year-old girl in NSW home

School Expresses Shock and Sorrow Over Alleged Murder of Exchange Student

A 13-year-old girl, who had just arrived in Australia for a study…