Krissy Barrett Shatters Glass Ceiling as First Female Commissioner of Australian Federal Police
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A new era of leadership has begun at the Australian Federal Police (AFP), with Krissy Barrett assuming the role of commissioner – a historic first for the 46-year-old organization. Barrett’s appointment, finalized just over a week ago, marks a critically important milestone, though she emphasizes her selection was based on merit, not gender. She is a highly skilled police operator fully prepared to address the evolving challenges of keeping Australians safe.
A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Barrett’s journey to the top began with a stint as an intern, where she described her initial 12 weeks as “amazing.”
Her early career included a posting to the Solomon Islands as an intelligence officer, followed by a decade in frontline policing in Canberra. This foundational experience, she explained, instilled a deep understanding of community engagement. Barrett’s ascent through the federal police ranks was swift, encompassing roles focused on financial crime, organized crime, counter-terrorism, espionage, and foreign interference.
Inspiring a New Generation
Barrett’s achievement resonates especially strongly with young women aspiring to careers in law enforcement.”There’s a lot of particularly young women who are inspired by my career journey and now me as the female Commissioner,” Barrett told Nine’s Tracy Grimshaw.She also expressed gratitude for the widespread support she has received from colleagues, both men and women, across the globe.
The challenges facing the AFP are increasingly complex, Barrett noted in an interview with 60 Minutes. The global fracturing fueled by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are impacting Australian communities. “Our caseload has changed in terms of what is motivating people to move towards violent extremism or terrorism,” she stated, expressing concern about individuals feeling unsafe or unvalued within the country.
In response, the AFP has established new national security investigations teams dedicated to fostering social cohesion. Barrett emphasized the importance of proactive intervention to address the root causes of radicalization.
A Parent’s Outlook on Rising Extremism
As a mother of an 11-year-old son, Barrett brings a unique perspective to the issue of youth radicalization. she described it as “confronting” to consider the potential for young people to embrace violent extremism. This concern has prompted tough conversations with her son, particularly regarding his online activities. “Like most preteen boys, you know, [he] does spend time on gaming platforms,” she shared, acknowledging the need to navigate the digital landscape and address potential exposure to extremist ideologies. The recent case of a 16-year-old charged with terrorism offenses following an alleged stabbing in Sydney underscores the urgency of this issue.
Confronting Foreign Interference
The AFP is also actively addressing the growing threat of foreign interference. In late August, Prime Minister anthony Albanese revealed the Australian government’s belief that Iran was responsible for at least two antisemitic attacks within the country, leading to the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador. Investigations revealed the involvement of Kazem Hamad,a notorious gangster,in orchestrating these attacks. Hamad, deported to Iraq in 2023, is also believed to be a key figure in the escalating “tobacco wars” across australia.
barrett highlighted the concerning overlap between organized crime and state actors. “There are state actors that are looking to take advantage of what I would describe as a volatile environment here in australia,” she warned. She stressed the importance of early detection and disruption of these activities to protect Australian communities and their way of life.
A Commitment to National Security
Keeping Australians safe is a basic responsibility, and Barrett expressed her unwavering commitment to the task. “It’s fundamental to the way that we live our lives in this country, and we should be protecting that with everything that we have,” she affirmed.”That is what the AFP is here to do, to deliver for the community that we serve.”
Watch the full episode of 60 Minutes on 9Now.
