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.
“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.
“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.”
