Why ASIO, AFP and other spy agencies are looking for new recruits

Australia’s top law enforcement agencies are undergoing their biggest shake-ups in years. See crucial top level jobs that need to be filled.

One of the biggest shake-ups in years is underway across the nation’s top law enforcement agencies, with multiple positions changing or up for grabs in what has been described as “musical chairs”.

At the powerful Australian Intelligence and Crime Commission (ACIC), the former deputy of intelligence from the spy agency ASIO, Heather Cook, has been appointed chief executive officer.

The job had been vacant for more than a year after the departure of Mike Phelan – a former Australian Federal Police (AFP) deputy commissioner.

The new boss of the ACIC is ex-ASIO Deputy Director-General Intelligence Heather Cook. Picture: Kym Smith

At the financial crimes watchdog, Austrac, ex-NSW Crime Commission Board member Brendan Thomas has been appointed chief executive after a six-month search.

And Australia’s overseas spy agency – the ultra-secretive ASIS – last year took on as CEO Kerri Hartland, a former journalist who has risen through government ranks. She is the first female director of the agency.

Newly-appointed ASIS Director-General Kerri Hartland. Picture: Supplied

A number of other crucial top level jobs are about to become available.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess’ contract is due to expire in September.

He has been credited with making ASIO more transparent with the opening up of social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter as well as the agency’s archives.

Mr Burgess has been contacted for comment on whether he is seeking an extension to his term.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess’ contract is due to expire in September. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw’s contract also expires in September amid a tumultuous time for the AFP with his troops threatening to strike over pay and conditions, and uproar and bad blood between the AFP and most State police forces.

Senior law enforcement sources say the falling out and lack of co-operation is one the biggest problems facing cohesive law enforcement in this country.

The Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police Reece Kershaw is seeking an extension. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

It has also been revealed a string of investigations are underway into the AFP over allegations they failed to protect compromised undercover operatives from dangerous organised crime figures.

There have been a series of exits just below the AFP Commissioner level.

The AFP Chief Operating Officer, Charlotte Tressler, left the building immediately after Senate Estimates last week headed for Home Affairs.

She had replaced COO Suzanne Bird, who left after Mr Kershaw was appointed.

Australian Federal Police Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Tressler has left the AFP. Picture: Supplied

The job as an AFP deputy has been a revolving door with five deputies leaving in the past five years.

One, former Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing, lasted less than two years in the job and ending up with a posting to Java to head up the AFP’s bomb centre.

Former deputy turned ACT Police Chief Neil Gaughan has recently announced his retirement, with his job available from March. It is understood Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney has also signalled plans to retire later this year.

Former AFP deputy Brett Pointing. Picture: Annette Dew

AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney has signalled plans to retire. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Interviews have already been conducted for Mr Gaughan’s position including with former NSW Police Deputy Mick Willing and internal candidates include Assistant Commissioners Nigel Ryan and Chrissie Barrett. Acting deputy Grant Nicholls is understood not to have applied. An AFP spokeswoman said announcments about permanent positions would be made at a later date.

Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing has been interviewed for the position of deputy with the AFP. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Sources say Mr Kershaw is seeking an extension of his term for possibly three years.

Dr Michael Kennedy, a professor of criminology of the University of New England, said the AFP needs modern leadership, preferably an outsider with mainstream, first responder experience, who can steer them in the direction of their core business while observing policy and international standards.

The uncertainty comes at a time when the federal government and the agencies have been accused of being asleep at the wheel over the cohort of immigration detainees released by the High Court.

ACT Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan is retiring next month. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

At Senate estimates, the AFP was unable to answer a string of questions about the monitoring of the detainees including how many of the 18 charged with new offences since their release are now in custody.

Mr Kershaw didn’t enlighten the Budget Estimates with his opening statement, instead talking up the AFP’s technology which helped to pinpoint the culprit behind last years’ Medibank hack and the talents of two technology sniffer dogs, Georgia and Alma, who helped Victoria police by sniffing out some iPad and USB sticks in the fatal mushroom lunch case.