AFPA WELCOMES THE EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT OF THREE AFP DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS FROM WITHIN THE AFP RANKS
Wednesday 16th December, 2009
AFPA WELCOMES THE EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT OF THREE AFP DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS FROM WITHIN THE AFP RANKS
On 15 December 2009 the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, announced that the Governor-General has approved the appointment of three new Deputy Commissioners to the Australian Federal Police.
The appointments are:
• Andrew Colvin APM OAM, currently AFP National Manager High Tech Crime Operations;
• Peter Drennan APM, currently AFP National Manager Counter Terrorism; and
• Michael Phelan APM, currently Chief Police Officer of the ACT.
In extending his congratulations to the new Deputy Commissioners, Mr O’Connor said the appointments would ensure the AFP Executive team was well placed to meet current and future law enforcement challenges and emerging priorities.
“A third Deputy Commissioner will support the increased operational responsibilities of the AFP and the organisation’s contribution to decision making across government,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The complexity of policing has increased the expansion of the AFP executive team will ensure the can provide a fast, targeted and effective response.”
AFP Commissioner Tony Negus welcomed the appointments and the wealth of policing experience all three would bring to the Deputy Commissioner roles.
“These additions to the Senior Executive team ensure the AFP is well placed to address the challenges facing policing in the future,” Commissioner Negus said:
“The appointments bring over 70 years of policing experience to the executive team. All three applicants have performed the role of acting Deputy Commissioner in the past and are well equipped to lead the AFP into the future.”
These appointments follow a comprehensive merit selection process. The appointments commence 1 January 2010 and are for a period of 5 years. Short biographies of the appointees are attached.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Colvin
Assistant Commissioner Colvin has been a member of the AFP since 1990. His recent roles include the National Manager of the AFP’s High Tech Crime Operations, Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner advising on the Street Review. Assistant Commissioner Colvin is currently completing a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard University. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2003 for service to the Bali bombing investigation and victim identification process. Assistant Commissioner Colvin also received an Australian Police Medal in 2008 for recognition of distinguished service, particularly in the areas of Counter Terrorism Investigations, Administration and Executive Management.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Drennan
Assistant Commissioner Drennan has been a member of the AFP since 1979. His recent roles include AFP National Manager responsible for the Counter-Terrorism, Border and International and Economic and Special Operations portfolios. Assistant Commissioner Drennan holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. He received an Australian Police Medal in 2009 for recognition of distinguished service, particularly in the areas of Counter Terrorism Investigations, Administration and Executive Management. He was also a former Senior Liaison Officer in Hong Kong and has managed the AFP’s Sydney Office.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Phelan
Assistant Commissioner Phelan has been a member of the AFP since 1985. His recent roles include Chief Police Officer of the Australian Capital Territory, AFP National Manager responsible for the Border and International and Human Resources portfolios. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Laws and Commerce and is currently completing a Masters in Business Administration. Assistant Commissioner Phelan received an Australian Police Medal in 2008 for recognition of distinguished service. He was also a former Senior Liaison Officer in Philippines and negotiated the AFP’s last collective agreement.
The AFPA congratulates Andrew, Peter and Mike on their successful appointments. We look forward to continuing our close professional relationship with all three in their newly appointed roles as AFP Deputy Commissioners. It is a testimony to the professionalism and quality of AFP members that all three positions have been filled from within the ranks of the AFP.