Robert Falconer appointed WA Police Commissioner

13/6/94

Mr Robert (Bob) Falconer (50) has been appointed the next Commissioner of the Western Australian Police Force.

Police Minister Bob Wiese said Cabinet and Executive Council had approved the appointment for a term of five years.

Mr Falconer would be resigning his position as Deputy Commissioner (Operations) with the Victorian Police Force and would take up the position in WA on July 11.

"Mr Falconer is the senior Deputy Commissioner in Victoria and is a tough operational police officer who is held in high esteem by his rank and file," Mr Wiese said.

"He also has a reputation of being prepared to take the tough decisions, which will be a valuable asset in view of the major changes which are about to occur in the WA police service."

The Minister said Mr Falconer was the successful applicant from a very strong field from WA and the Eastern States.

"The Coalition Government decided that for the first time, the selection process for the new commissioner should be left to the professionals rather than politicians.

"The Public Service Commission was given the job of calling applications, convening a panel to short list and interview applicants and make a final recommendation to me.

"Included in that process was the use of a management company to conduct an executive search.

"At the end of that process, there were two favoured candidates - both from the Eastern States - but one subsequently advised that he no longer wanted to be considered for the position."

The Minister said that the new commissioner would receive a full briefing from the outgoing Commissioner Brian Bull when he took up his post.

"This is the first time that there has been an officer from outside the State appointed as Commissioner," Mr Wiese said.

"It coincides with another first for the police service - the use of outside consultants to look at the management of the department.

"Just as senior officers and the rank and file have supported that report so we can prepare the force for the 21st century, I would expect the entire WA force to work with the new commissioner to achieve this aim," Mr Wiese said.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133 / 222 9595