Appointment of the next Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
The Albanese Government has today announced the appointment of Mr Michael Barnes as the next Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS).
Mr Barnes’ appointment ensures that the Office of the Inspector-General can continue its vital work in overseeing and reviewing the activities of Australia’s national intelligence agencies.
Australians entrust the national intelligence community with significant powers to keep the community safe. Rigorous and effective oversight by the IGIS ensures that these agencies act with legality and propriety in the exercise of their functions.
Mr Barnes is currently serving as the NSW Crime Commissioner and has demonstrated experience leading independent oversight bodies in a number of jurisdictions.
Mr Barnes was selected following a merit-based process. His 5-year appointment begins on 7 April 2026.
The Government acknowledges the outgoing IGIS, the Hon Dr Christopher Jessup KC, for his distinguished leadership of the Office of the IGIS since 2021. During Dr Jessup’s term, the Parliament passed significant national security and counter terrorism legislation. Dr Jessup effectively discharged his expanded oversight responsibilities and strengthened the Office of the IGIS over the last five years.
For more information about the Inspector-General, visit the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security website.
Biography
Mr Barnes holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws. He has held the role of NSW Crime Commissioner since 2020 where he has been responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 160 staff.
As Commissioner, he was a member of the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Taskforce and the NSW State Security Group which leads and coordinates NSW Government strategic policy and intergovernmental arrangements on counter-terrorism and national security.
Prior to his current role, Mr Barnes was the NSW Ombudsman (2017-2020), NSW State Coroner (2014-2017), inaugural Queensland State Coroner (2003-2013), Head of School of Justice at the Queensland University of Technology (2000-2003), and Chief Officer Complaint Section, Queensland Criminal Justice Commission (1994-2000).
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“On behalf of the Albanese Government, I congratulate Mr Barnes on his appointment as Australia’s next Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.
“Mr Barnes brings extensive experience which will support the Office of the Inspector-General to continue its work providing robust oversight over the National Intelligence community.
“I thank Dr Christopher Jessup for his distinguished service as Inspector-General following his appointment in 2021.”