Karl O’Callaghan

Karl O’Callaghan is the former Police Commissioner of Western Australia, serving in the role for over 13 years and bringing more than 43 years of policing experience to his work. The longest-serving post-war WA Police Commissioner, Karl has been awarded the Australian Police Medal and recognised as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow for outstanding community service. He was the first serving WA police officer to earn a PhD and was made a Churchill Fellow in 1997.

During his tenure, Karl led significant reform and cultural change within the WA Police, implementing recommendations from the Kennedy Royal Commission and introducing operational and technological initiatives such as Frontline First and Frontline 2020. His leadership transformed police culture, increasing diversity, modernising hierarchical structures, and improving workplace safety and welfare.

Karl is highly regarded for his hands-on, common-sense approach, regularly working alongside frontline officers and earning public trust through effective crisis management and media engagement. He continues to advise and speak on leadership, governance, workplace culture, policing, and social reform.

Outside of policing, Karl is a committed community advocate. He founded Bright Blue – The Police Commissioner’s Charity for Sick Kids, supporting national and international children’s health initiatives, and serves as a mentor and speaker for the Fathering Project. He and his wife are full-time carers for four boys in permanent foster care, reflecting his dedication to family and community.

Karl O’Callaghan is sought after as a speaker and advisor, offering insights on leadership, resilience, organisational culture, and social responsibility.