Commissioner Donna Adams has today announced the appointment of Nathan Johnston to the rank of Commander of Police.
Having joined Tasmania Police in 2003, Commander Johnston has significant and varied experience working across the state, particularly in the Northern and Western Districts, over the past 20+ years.
This week he will begin his new role as Commander of the Western District.
First posted to Launceston Police Station as a constable in 2004, Commander Johnston was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Launceston in 2015.
In 2021 he became an Inspector, leading the Northern District's Launceston Uniform Division and in 2023 moved to the Northern Criminal Investigation Division as Detective Inspector.
Commander Johnston has also held various leadership positions in other areas, including as Officer in Charge of Tasmania Police's Bomb Response Capability and leading the Western Police Operation Centre during COVID-19.
He has assumed the role of Acting Commander in the Northern and Western District several times since 2022, providing strategic leadership and management while prioritising community safety and service delivery.
Commissioner Donna Adams said Commander Johnston has demonstrated significant strengths in policing and relationship-based leadership, highlighting his ability to collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.
"He brings a wealth of experience and highly developed skills to this senior role, with a proven capacity to lead through influence and foster strong, collaborative relationships," she said.
"I congratulate Nathan on his appointment and am confident that his leadership, experience, and commitment will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tasmania Police."
"I also want to acknowledge and thank Commander Stuart Wilkinson, who has been a steadfast leader for the Western District since 2023. His contribution has been instrumental, and he will continue to be highly regarded in his new role as Commander of Tasmania Police's Family and Sexual Violence Command."
Commander Johnston is looking forward to once again working in the north west of Tasmania.
"I'm excited to step into the role and continue to build relationships with the community, working together so that people feel safe," he said.
"I am focused on supporting the members of the Western District and providing an environment where they can deliver a high level of service to the community," he said.
Commander Johnston holds several academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management (Australian Institute of Police Management).
His appointment is effective immediately.
