Donna Adams has been appointed Tasmania’s 15th Commissioner of Police and Secretary of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management – the State’s first ever female Commissioner of Police in the 125-year history of the service.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said already as Deputy Commissioner and the highest ranked woman in the history of Tasmania Police, Ms Adams’ appointment will mark a new milestone for police in Tasmanian history.
“This is an exceptional achievement and is very well deserved,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Donna is a talented professional who has risen through the ranks of Tasmania Police, with a prestigious 35-year career that has seen her awarded the Australian Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Tasmania Police Service Medal for diligent and ethical service and the 2014 Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year.
“Donna also has a Masters of Policing and is extremely well placed to provide exemplary leadership and dedication in delivering high quality policing and emergency services to the people of Tasmania.
“Following an extensive recruitment process that sought applicants nationally and internationally, Donna’s selection is testament to her highly credentialed career with Tasmania Police.”
First joining Tasmania Police at age 19, in 1987, Ms Adams has worked in uniform, criminal investigations and training, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1998 and Inspector in 2004.
In 2009, Ms Adams became the first woman promoted to the rank of Commander, and in 2011 was appointed to the role of Assistant Commissioner.
During her extensive career, Ms Adams has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards including a Commissioner’s Commendation for her work after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre; an Australian Police Medal for Distinguished Service; a Tasmania Police Service Medal for diligent and ethical service; and was recognised by the Australasian Council of Women in Policing as an outstanding investigator.
In 2014, she was awarded the Telstra Tasmanian Business Woman of the Year, and was inducted on to the Tasmanian Honour Roll in 2019.
In 2021, Ms Adams again made history when she became the first female Deputy Commissioner.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said Police Commissioner is a vital leadership role for Tasmania, providing the highest quality policing and emergency management services for the people of our State, and Ms Adams has demonstrated exceptional competence in this field.
"Having just been appointed as the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, I look forward to working with Donna in the future to deliver key priorities in this portfolio," Minister Ellis said.
"Donna is an extremely talented individual and has a very impressive CV.
"Whilst I am new to the Ministry, I am aware of Donna’s exceptional work in policing, including particularly the last two years where she has provided key leadership to keep Tasmanian’s safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"More recently, I have experienced firsthand her in-depth knowledge, professionalism and ability to provide critical advice and I would like to recognise once again her achievements in reaching this milestone."
Ms Adams will start in the role on October 11, following the retirement of outgoing Commissioner Darren Hine AO APM.
Commissioner Hine has served the community for 42 years with Tasmania Police, and more than 14 years as the Commissioner for Police and Secretary of the Department.
Minister Ellis said throughout his time as Commissioner, Mr Hine has shown exemplary leadership and has made an extraordinary contribution to keeping Tasmanians safe.
“Commissioner Hine is held in the highest regard in Tasmania and across Australia, and the Government recognises and sincerely thanks him for his decades of dedication and strategic leadership in delivering high quality police, fire and emergency services for the Tasmanian community,” Minister Ellis said.