Anthony Albanese announces AFP's first female commissioner
Revealing for the first time that AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw will resign, the government has confirmed it's known for weeks that he was planning to retire.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the changes today at a press conference in Canberra, revealing that 20-year policing veteran Krissy Barrett was the 'obvious choice' for the role.
'Krissy Barrett brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position of AFP Commissioner,'' Mr Albanese said.
'Krissy 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.
'She is highly renowned for her leadership capability, and I've certainly seen that first hand in the dealings I've had with Ms Barrett, as well as the way that she has represented the AFP on matters before the National Security Committee for her distinguished service to the sollies and the Bali bombings investigation.'
News.com.au reported last week that the future of the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw was uncertain after speculation within the rank and file that he was planning to leave.
The straight-shooting chief of police would not confirm last week that he planned to give four weeks' notice.
The AFP gave a statement saying: 'Commissioner Kershaw has not submitted his resignation and the AFP has no further comment at this stage.'
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed in the press conference that he first learned Mr Kershaw planned to resign last month but it was kept secret until now.
'A couple of weeks ago, Commissioner Kershaw asked to meet with me with no staff present,'' Mr Burke said.
'And, in the meeting, to my surprise, he went through – as he may say a bit later – where he was up to, both with family and grandchildren, and said that he had set October 3 as the date that he was intending to retire. I wasn't expecting the conversation.'
'I wasn't expecting the announcement from him, but he leaves with his head held high and on the best possible terms for the government.'
Commissioner Kershaw said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and grandchildren.
Commissioner Kershaw was besieged by intense political pressure in recent months over his handling of the January 19 Dural caravan terror saga, with some accusing him of stonewalling and contributing to a public over-reaction to what was later found to be a bogus terror plot.
Commissioner Kershaw refused to confirm when Mr Albanese was briefed on the alleged plan to use a caravan in a terrorist act targeting Sydney's Jewish community.
Commissioner Kershaw told a Senate committee in February that providing further details could compromise operational integrity: 'I will not provide updates in public forums.'
'Details provided, whether it seems innocuous or not, can have an impact on investigations,' he said.
The opposition seized on Kershaw's silence, suggesting the Albanese government may have delayed disclosure for political reasons.
'This is looking more and more like a political cover-up,' former opposition leader Peter Dutton said, calling for an independent inquiry.
'It is inconceivable that the Prime Minister was not briefed on a matter of this gravity at the earliest opportunity.'
Commissioner Kershaw has also faced criticism for inconsistencies in briefing protocols.
Liberal Senator James Paterson questioned why ministers were informed immediately in previous security incidents but not in this case.
'The public deserves transparency and the reassurance that our security agencies are acting without fear or favour,' he said.
Commissioner Kershaw declined to respond directly, saying only, 'I briefed ministers at the appropriate time … I'm not going to speculate – it's not helpful to our investigation.'
The pressure intensified after AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed in March that the caravan plot had been 'a criminal con job' rather than a legitimate terrorist threat.
Questions were raised about the AFP and its inaction regarding the public alarm over the alleged threat, which went unchecked for weeks.
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