Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has today been appointed Western Australia’s 34th Governor.
The announcement follows Her Majesty The Queen’s approval of the Premier’s recommendation and endorsement by the WA Cabinet today.
Premier Mark McGowan acknowledged outgoing WA Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC for his significant contribution to the State.
Cabinet also today approved His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC’s tenure to be extended until June 30.
Mr Dawson joined WA Police as a cadet in 1976, going on to provide 46 years of continuous service in country and metropolitan positions across a range of portfolios. He became the inaugural Principal of the WA Police Academy in Joondalup and the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002 saw him awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.
He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in July 2004, with a brief to lead an agency reform program resulting from outcomes from the Kennedy Royal Commission. From May 2008, he had overall management of all operational policing within metropolitan and regional areas, including the specialist portfolios of serious and organised crime, counter terrorism and State protection.
In 2011, Mr Dawson headed up the biggest security operation in the history of WA Police, as State Commander for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He was responsible for the security of Her Majesty The Queen, all attending Heads of State from 53 Commonwealth countries and their respective senior ministers and delegates.
After ten years as Deputy Commissioner, Mr Dawson left WA Police in April 2014 to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, formerly the Australian Crime Commission. He also served as Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology during this time.
He was appointed as Commissioner of the WA Police Force in August 2017. During the period of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Mr Dawson has coordinated the State of Emergency since March 2020 and was responsible for the Vaccination Program from September 2021 to January 2022.
The Public Sector Commissioner will begin the process to appoint a new WA Police Commissioner next week.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Chris Dawson is a decorated police officer who is highly respected in Western Australia and beyond. His sense of duty and commitment to the people of this State make him a standout appointment as the 34th Governor of Western Australia.
“Mr Dawson has a distinguished career as a police officer which has seen him serve in several senior roles, including that of Police Commissioner.
“His unwavering diligence and attention to detail during the pandemic have played an instrumental role in steering our State through what has been one of the most challenging times in our history.
“I want to particularly thank him for his role as Vaccine Commander, which helped drive Western Australia’s path towards achieving the highest vaccination rates in Australia and one of the highest anywhere in the world.
“Chris Dawson is a born leader who has a deep passion for the people of Western Australia. He is a worthy appointment as our next Governor and I look forward to his continued role in shaping our State into the future.
“On behalf of the State, I would like to acknowledge His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC and his wife Susie for their dedication, and thank them for their involvement and outstanding contribution in the role over the past four years. I wish them every success in the future.”
