Mr Michael Barnes (due to commence on 7 April 2026)
On 20 February 2026, the Albanese Government announced the appointment of Mr Michael Barnes as the next Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS). Mr Barnes’ five-year appointment will commence on 7 April 2026.
Mr Barnes previously served as the NSW Crime Commissioner since 2020, where he was responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 130 staff.
Prior to his role as Commissioner, Mr Barnes was the NSW Ombudsman (2017-2020), the NSW State Coroner (2014-2017) and the inaugural Queensland State Coroner (2003-2013). Before he was a chief coroner, Mr Barnes served as Head, School of Justice Studies at the Queensland University of Technology, a post he took up after 9 years as the Chief Officer of the complaints section of the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission.
Until Mr Barnes commences as the new IGIS, Mr Paul Cronan AM will continue to act in the role under the current standing acting arrangements.