AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw to retire from top job following resignation speculation

Australia's top cop Reece Kershaw has resigned after a tumultuous few months as AFP commissioner.

Kershaw will leave his post a year earlier than planned and is set to retire following recent speculation he had handed in his resignation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Kershaw had achieved an "enormous amount" for Australia while announcing his retirement in Canberra today.

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"I hope you feel incredibly proud. We certainly wish you all the best as you get to spend precious time with your family," the PM said.

"Commissioner Kershaw has made an extraordinary contribution to public life, and we are deeply grateful for his service."

Kershaw was appointed commissioner in 2019.

Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus extended his contract for another two years in 2024.

The government has recommended AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett to replace Kershaw.

The historic appointment will see Barrett become the first woman to hold the AFP commissioner title in Australian history.

Barrett's appointment will begin on October 4 for a five-year period.

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"I first started my career with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant down in our Melbourne office, and I never imagined that, one day, I would be leading this very fine organisation which now has a workforce of over 8000 people and is posted in more than 30 countries across the world," Barrett said.

"As commissioner, I will ensure the AFP continues to keep Australians safe, protects the vulnerable, and identifies and disrupts an emerging cohort of criminals who have mixed motivations and threaten our national security."

Kershaw leaves the top job following controversy around the AFP's handling of the Dural caravan terror saga earlier this year.

The former AFP boss faced criticism after refusing to confirm when Albanese was briefed over the January incident.

The caravan was later discovered to be a hoax and part of a "fake terrorism plot".

Kershaw said he was leaving the job to spend more time with his family.

"Being a grandfather has changed me dramatically, and I need to be there for my family," Kershaw said after the announcement of his resignation.

"Policing is such a hard profession... and we sacrifice a lot, in particular our family, including my wife's own career, she gave up her career to support so it is time for me to give back."

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