Krissy Barrett to replace Reece Kershaw as AFP boss
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The news: Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw has announced his retirement, with assistant commissioner Krissy Barrett to become the first female to lead the law enforcement agency.
The context: Appearing in the Prime Minister’s courtyard in Parliament House, Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the changes to the top ranks of the AFP.
Kershaw, who was appointed to the role in 2019, said he wanted to spend more time with his family after recently becoming a grandfather.
Albanese said Barrett, the AFP’s assistant commissioner of counter-terrorism and special investigations, was the “obvious” choice to replace Kershaw in the top job.
What they said: “It takes its toll on the family life. Being a grandfather has changed me dramatically, and I need to be there for my family,” Kershaw said.
“Policing is such a high-paced profession… and we sacrifice a lot — in particular our family. Including my wife's own career, she gave up her career to support me so it is time for me to give back.
“I want to give back to the Australian community in some other capacity down the track but it has been an incredible journey for myself.”
The source: Parliament House
