Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force , Chris Dawson has been appointed the State’s 34th Governor.
Welcoming the new Governor, Premier, Mark McGowan said Mr Dawson ( pictured) joined the WA Police Force 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 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002 was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service,” Mr McGowan said.
“He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in July 2004, with a brief to lead an Agency reform program resulting from the outcomes of the Kennedy Royal Commission,” he said.
“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.
“Mr Dawson left WA Police in April 2014 to take up the role of Chief Executive of the Australian Criminal Intelligence 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 this year.”
Mr McGowan said the Public Sector Commissioner would now begin the process to appoint a new Police Commissioner.
He said Mr Dawson was a decorated police officer who was 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 McGowan said.
The Premier thanked outgoing Governor, Kim Beazley saying he had made an enormous contribution in his many years of service to the people of Western Australia.
“The Beazley name is synonymous with Western Australia,” he said.
Mr Beazley’s tenure has been extended until 30 June in order to promote a smooth transition for Mr Dawson.
