AFP Commander Geoff Turner will play a critical role in bolstering and evolving law enforcement capabilities in the Pacific after being selected as Commissioner of Tonga Police.
Commander Turner has been appointed by the Tonga Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel of the Privacy Council, with the approval of His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga.
He'll be sworn in on Monday (12 May, 2025) to serve a three-year term as the successor to Shane McLennan, who was the first Australian appointed to the role and returns to the AFP.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw congratulated Commissioner Turner on his appointment, which would continue to evolve and enhance law-enforcement capabilities across the Pacific.
"The AFP is proud that one of our officers will perform this crucial function and will explore every opportunity to work with Tonga Police in our shared goal to support and enhance policing operations in the Pacific region," Commissioner Kershaw said.
"The shared work of Pacific police partners is vital for enhancing the security of communities across the region and for collectively countering evolving regional security threats.
"Crime has never been more complex and transnational. It requires a tech-savvy, agile and experienced workforce to help stay ahead of criminals who wrongly believe they are untouchable."
Commander Turner's extensive policing background across 34 years includes community policing, recruit training, national operations and international deployments to Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.
As Commander of the AFP's Timor-Leste Police Development Program, his achievements included leading significant reform for the Policia National de Timor-Leste.
The AFP continues to support the Tonga Police through the Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership, including Cyber Pacifica; Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and the Pacific Policing Initiative.
