Appointment of ASIS Director-General

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kerri Hartland as the new Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.

Ms Hartland served as Deputy Director-General of ASIO from 2011 to 2017 and has continued to work with the national intelligence community as a consultant, as Chair of the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator Audit and Risk Committees, Special Advisor to Fintel Alliance, and as a member of the National Security College Futures Council.

At a time when Australia's external environment is being reshaped, the work of ASIS is critical to defending our interests and keeping Australians safe.

Ms Hartland will bring excellent strategic, operational and people leadership to her new role, having served as the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Small and Family Business from 2017 to 2020, and as Deputy Secretary of Human Services from 2006 to 2011.

We sincerely thank outgoing Director-General, Mr Paul Symon AO, for his leadership of ASIS over five years.

Mr Symon's career has been one of service to Australia. He has contributed with distinction in senior Defence and intelligence roles both domestically and internationally

We have greatly valued his experience, integrity and counsel and wish him and his family well.

Ms Hartland will commence her new appointment on 20 February 2023.

Quotes attributable to Kerri Hartland:

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as the 13th Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.

“With an increasingly complex geostrategic landscape, intelligence will continue to be critical to securing Australia's safety, prosperity and sovereignty.

“To lead an organisation that so significantly contributes to Australia's national security is a true privilege.”