‘No, I wasn’t aware’: Ministers caught off guard by Kershaw exit

THE shock exit of NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has caught some key players in the Gunner Government completely off guard

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton and newly appointed Australian Federal Police AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw at Parliament House today. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

THE shock exit of NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has caught some key players in the Gunner Government completely off guard.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton announced that Mr Kershaw had been named the new Australian Federal Police Commissioner in Canberra this morning.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler and Resources Minister Paul Kirby were caught off guard as the news broke and said they both were unaware of Mr Kershaw’s departure during a press conference in Darwin today.

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Ms Lawler struggled to give a clear answer on the impact that Mr Kershaw’s resignation will have on the NT Police leadership and anti-crime programs being implemented.

“I wasn’t aware that he was the Federal Police Commissioner, but I was aware that he had been unwell lately,” she said.

“Congratulations to the new Commissioner, that’s an amazing step forward for him, a great opportunity for him, I wish him well in his career.”

Mr Kershaw was only reappointed last November as the NT Commissioner of Police and CEO of Fire and Emergency Services and was expected to serve until 2023.

A spokesman from NT Police said Michael Murphy will continue as Acting Police Commissioner until August 11 and that “further executive movements” will be determined in due course to replace Mr Kershaw.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said they look forward to Mr Kershaw’s successor in the NT being appointed, and ensuring they remain committed to the best interests of the members of the NT Police Force.

“We’re calling on the NT Government to move quickly in appointing a new Commissioner to avoid unnecessary instability within the Senior Police ranks,” he said.

“The Northern Territory Police Force requires a Commissioner who has members’ health, safety and wellbeing at the forefront of their mind, and can bring extensive Territory Policing experience to the role.

“A focus on safety, staffing levels and ensuring change management is undertaken through effective consultation with both the NTPA and our members must be a priority for the new Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force.”

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Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro congratulated Mr Kershaw in his new role.

“News of NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw starting in a new role as AFP Commissioner is significant, and shows the Northern Territory has some of the best police in Australia who are more than capable of filling such a huge role on a national scale,” she said.

“The Northern Territory has endless opportunity to start and grow your career in the police, and this is evident through Reece managing a regional police force, to now heading up the AFP.

“We wish Reece all the best in his new position, and know he’ll do a great job, as he has done in the Northern Territory.”