National

Ex police chief sworn in as WA governor

By AAP Newswire

Jul 15, 2022

The WA Governor Chris Dawson is congratulated by Premier Mark McGowan. — The new WA Governor Chris Dawson is congratulated by Premier Mark McGowan on being sworn in. -AAP Image

Western Australia's former top cop and vaccine commander has been sworn in as the state's 34th governor.

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Former police commissioner Chris Dawson APM was sworn in at a ceremony hosted by premier Mark McGowan in the Government House ballroom on Friday.

Mr Dawson, 63, most recently oversaw the enforcement of border restrictions, vaccine mandates and public health rules during the pandemic.

A former chief executive of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, he took over as WA police commissioner in 2017.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said Mr Dawson would advocate in the best interests of Western Australians.

"Chris' dedication, integrity and humbling nature are wonderful attributes that will shine through his role as he continues to represent the WA community.," he said.

During his time as the head of WA Police, Mr Dawson sought to improve the force's relations with Aboriginal people, issuing a formal apology in 2018 for historical mistreatment.

Other notable events include the arrest and conviction of Claremont killer Bradley Robert Edwards and the rescue of missing four-year-old Cleo Smith last year.

Mr Dawson replaces former federal Labor leader Kim Beazley.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press