New Women Bosses, High Turnover in "Bondi Agencies"

The appointment of women as heads of security and intelligence agencies has been occurring only recently in Australia.

This began in February 2023 with Kerri Hartland being appointed Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) covering foreign intelligence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Secret_Intelligence_Service

Then in September 2024 with Abigail Bradshaw as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) covering signals intelligence and cybersecurity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Signals_Directorate

Then October 2025 with Krissy Barrett as Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Federal_Police

and lastly the early? December 2025 commencement of Kathy Klugman, in the most senior analysis and coordinating position, Director-General, Australian Office of National Intelligence (ONI) https://www.oni.gov.au/leadership-team

Australia has subsequently suffered its worst intelligence failure with the killing by Islamist extremists of 15 Jewish people at Bondi Beach Sydney on December 14, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Bondi_Beach_shooting 

Any misplaced gender connection can be discounted, as Mr Mike Burgess has held  the Director-General, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) position since September 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Burgess_(intelligence_chief)

Having 3 new bosses in 16 months (Sep 24, Oct 25 and Dec 25) may equal organisational and inter-organisational disruption, especially if male deputies, unwilling to accept the rapid influx of women, decide to quit. We'll never know, because these are largely secret organisations. Maybe Albanese might permit a one year inquiry. Or Ms Klugman might be well placed to talk to many senior security leaders and to Jewish leaders.