Prime Minister Tony Abbott has named Mr Andrew Colvin APM OAM as the next Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Mr Colvin had been acting in the role since Tony Negus finished his five year term in September, having previously served as Deputy Commissioner since 2010, most recently in national security.
Mr Colvin’s appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished 24 year career with the AFP. Since joining the organisation in 1990, Mr Colvin has worked in a broad range of areas including serious and organised crime, money laundering, politically motivated crime and terrorism financing.
Mr Colvin spent his early years in the AFP’s Sydney office before taking up senior positions in counter terrorism, as the chief of staff and as head of High Tech Crime.
He also has significant experience in national security, having led the establishment of the AFP Counter Terrorism portfolio from 2002 until 2005.
Mr Colvin received the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the 2002 Bali bombing investigation. In June 2008, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal.
Mr Colvin also holds a Masters in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
“With the endorsement of the Australian Government, I am proud and humbled to have accepted the role of AFP Commissioner,” Mr Colvin said.
“In accepting this role I know that I inherit an organisation with a proud history, a strong foundation for success and a dedicated and committed staff, highly capable of taking the AFP forward.
“The AFP will continue to be faced with unique and difficult challenges, however, I feel confident that together, and with the support of our well established partnerships, we are well equipped to meet the tasks that lie ahead.
“I look forward to working with our local and international law enforcement partners to address threats such as terrorism, organised and transnational criminal groups, and technology-enabled crime.
“I also look forward to the AFP continuing to provide a highly effective community policing service to the people of the Australian Capital Territory.
“The AFP is a relatively young police force, now in its 34th year. However, as with every police organisation, its strength lies in the quality of its people.
“Our members across Australia, and those in various roles around the world, give the AFP the ability to address the global aspects inherent in modern criminal activity.”
Mr Colvin will be sworn in at a ceremony in Canberra.
