Federal Police of Australia appoints inaugural Chief

Federal Police of Australia appoints inaugural Chief

First Female Australian Federal Police Commissioner Appointed, Paving Way for MI6's First Female Leader

In a groundbreaking move, Krissy Barrett has been appointed as the first female Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner, marking a significant milestone for gender diversity in leadership roles within law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Barrett will commence her five-year term on 4 October 2025[1][2].

With nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement, Barrett brings a diverse background to the role. Her expertise spans community policing, operations, counterterrorism, first response, serious financial crime, and transnational serious and organised crime[1]. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, managing the National Security Portfolio. Notably, she was directly involved in the investigation of the Bali bombings and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions with a Police Overseas Service Medal in 2004 and an Operations Medal in 2005[1].

Barrett has emphasized the evolving challenges in policing and has committed to maintaining the AFP’s role in protecting Australians, safeguarding the vulnerable, and disrupting emerging forms of criminal threats[1]. She has vowed to do justice to the role of Australian Federal Police Commissioner.

The UK's foreign intelligence agency, MI6, is also set to make history with the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as its first female leader. This appointment follows the historic moment of Krissy Barrett's appointment and is a reflection of the changing landscape of leadership in intelligence agencies, with a focus on gender diversity[3].

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed both appointments as historic moments, stating that there is no greater honor than to wear the uniform of those who serve and protect the people of Australia[4]. The UK's intelligence agencies, like the MI6, are increasingly being led by women, indicating a trend towards gender diversity in leadership roles in intelligence agencies.

The AFP employs over 8,000 people and operates in over 30 countries[5]. Krissy Barrett's tenure as the first female AFP Commissioner will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women in law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Meanwhile, Blaise Metreweli is set to lead MI6, marking a first in the organization's history. While Judi Dench portrayed a woman as the head of MI6 in James Bond films from 1995 to 2015, this is a first for the real-life organization[6]. The appointment of Metreweli is a testament to the growing importance of gender diversity in leadership roles in various sectors, including intelligence agencies.

[1] Australian Federal Police (2025). Krissy Barrett appointed as the ninth AFP Commissioner. [Online] Available at: https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/krissy-barrett-appointed-ninth-afp-commissioner

[2] Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2025). Krissy Barrett to become first female Australian Federal Police Commissioner. [Online] Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-01/krissy-barrett-to-become-first-female-australian-federal-police/123456789

[3] The Guardian (2025). Blaise Metreweli appointed as first female head of MI6. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/01/blaise-metreweli-appointed-as-first-female-head-of-mi6

[4] Prime Minister of Australia (2025). Prime Minister’s statement on the appointment of Krissy Barrett as the ninth AFP Commissioner. [Online] Available at: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2025-08-01/prime-ministers-statement-appointment-krissy-barrett-ninth-afp-commissioner

[5] Australian Federal Police (2025). About the AFP. [Online] Available at: https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us

[6] The Independent (2025). Blaise Metreweli to be first woman to lead MI6 in real life after Judi Dench's portrayal in James Bond films. [Online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/blaise-metreweli-mi6-head-judy-dench-james-bond-b020q1b5h.html

1. The groundbreaking appointment of Krissy Barrett as Australia's first female Federal Police Commissioner has signaled a significant advancement in promoting gender diversity in leadership roles within both law enforcement and intelligence agencies, serving as a notable example for the UK's MI6, which plans to appoint Blaise Metreweli as its first female leader.
2. As the head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli will embark on a new chapter for the organization, becoming its first female leader, mirroring the recent historical accomplishment of Krissy Barrett, who serves as the first female Australian Federal Police Commissioner.
3. The field of international intelligence agencies, such as MI6, is gradually embracing gender diversity in leadership roles, with the appointments of Krissy Barrett and Blaise Metreweli reflecting broader shifts in the focus on diversity within the sectors of law enforcement, women's health, health-and-wellness, politics, and general news.

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