Federal police commissioner gets two more years in role

Australia’s top cop will stay in the job for another two years, with Reece Kershaw reappointed as Australian Federal Police commissioner.

Mr Kershaw’s term as commissioner has been extended until October 2026, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has confirmed.

“Commissioner Kershaw has made an extraordinary contribution to our community with a policing career spanning more than 30 years,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“His contribution to law enforcement in Australia reflects the highest standards of the AFP values ​​of integrity, commitment, excellence, accountability, fairness, trust and respect.”

The commissioner was first appointed to the position in 2019.

In a statement, he said his time as commissioner had been spent targeting countering cyber crime and child exploitation; a focus which he was set to continue.

“I’m not going to show organized crime, cyber criminals and other high-value targets my hand but what I will say is that we have some significant operations that will build on the work that we have done over the years,” he said .

“Crime has never been more complex and transnational. It requires a tech-savvy, agile and experienced workforce to help stay ahead of those criminals who wrongly believe they are untouchable.”

The reappointment comes just after he used an address at the National Press Club to say children online were being exposed to “extremist poison”, calling for greater co-operation from social media companies.

Mr Dreyfus also reappointed federal police deputy commissioner Ian McCartney to the role.