Sir Ken Jones’ counter terror skills among reasons he should lead the Australian Federal Police: Charlie Bezzina

COMMENT: Australia should be looking overseas for a counter-terrorism expert to lead the Federal Police, says retired detective Charlie Bezzina.

Former homicide squad detective Charlie Bezzina. HWT staff.

NOW is not the time to be looking within Australia for our next Australian Federal Police chief.

Who we need as the next AFP commissioner is a recognised successful world-renowned

anti-terrorist leader.

In my opinion that man could be Sir Ken Jones, a former Victoria Police deputy commissioner who was unfairly hounded from his post.

I think it was a terrible decision not to consider Sir Ken for the VicPol role of chief commissioner.

History has shown that Victoria Police, and the state, paid a high price for the decision not to appoint Sir Ken as commissioner.

Significant in-fighting within force command ensued, destabilised Victoria Police.

Sir Ken was also critical of informer management; a concern which has now led to a judicial review.

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It’s my understanding the decision not to appoint Sir Ken as Victoria Police chief commissioner exacerbated the level of existing poor morale.

It now appears that Sir Ken may well be an applicant for the AFP commissioner’s position.

Clearly the Federal Government would be seeking the best qualified applicant to lead Australia in the fight against terrorism, hence its international hunt for applicants.

Australia is naive when it comes to terrorism and we are learning as we go and reacting accordingly.

While there are some merits for a homegrown AFP leader, what is desperately

needed is a leader with worldwide experience in combating terrorism.

I can see no better applicant for this role than Sir Ken Jones.

He investigated the IRA and the 2005 London bombing.

He has experience in Asia, Africa and the US.

Sir Ken was also a counter-terrorism adviser for the recent London Olympics.

I have no doubt that is just the tip of the iceberg and his CV would significantly stand

out from many others.

Australia has too much to lose to make the wrong choice when it comes to deciding on the next AFP chief.

Any ill-conceived negative opinions about Sir Ken — based on his exit from VicPol — should be set aside.

His experience and can-do attitude speaks for itself.