Warm welcome extended to new Police Commissioner Barry Matthews

16/8/99

The State Government has extended a warm welcome to Barry Matthews who officially takes up his position today as the new Western Australian Commissioner of Police.
Mr Matthews replaces former Commissioner Bob Falconer who retired from his five-year term in June.
"The State Government, our police officers and all Western Australians are extremely fortunate to have, at the helm of our Police Service, a person with such personal and professional integrity as Mr Matthews to lead the service into the new millennium," Police Minister Kevin Prince said.
"The current law and order climate in this State poses a range of real challenges and opportunities for all members of our community.
"Mr Matthews has clearly demonstrated he has the intellectual capacity and visionary skills required to deal with and resolve both organisational and community issues and work with others to make WA a safer and more secure place to live.
"I would again like to congratulate Mr Matthews on his appointment and I look forward to developing a strong, working relationship with him. "
Mr Matthews was formerly the New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner with 34 years' experience in New Zealand Police. Mr Matthews - who holds a Diploma of Criminology, a Batchelor of Law degree and a Master's degree in business Administration - is married with three adult children.
He was appointed following a comprehensive and international search for a new commissioner. Mr Matthews was the preferred candidate selected by an independent selection panel.
Mr Prince said the Commissioner would undertake a range of public duties, including officiating at his first police graduation, during his first week.
The Police Minister's Council on Aboriginal, Police and Community Relations will officially welcome Mr Matthews at a ceremony at police headquarters tomorrow.
The ceremony will symbolise a 'handover' of Mr Matthews from New Zealand's Maori people to Western Australia's Aboriginal community.
Chairperson of the Police Minister's Council, Mrs Pamela Walsh JP, said the Aboriginal community was keen to demonstrate to Mr Matthews that it was committed to its close working relationship with the WA Police Service.
"The council, together with the police, have achieved many positive outcomes for Aboriginal people in this State and we look forward to meeting and working with Mr Matthews and the WA Police Service in the future," Mrs Walsh said.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9220 5000