Old scholar to be appointed first female Tasmanian Police Commissioner

Donna Adams has been appointed Tasmania's first female Commissioner of Police, after 35 years in the force. The highest-ranked woman in the 125-year history of Tasmania Police began her career as a constable when she was 19 years old, straight after graduating Year 12 at Dominic College in 1986.

“This is an extremely proud moment for me, and I’m really looking forward to making positive change,” Donna said. the Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockcliff said her new appointment was an exceptional achievement and very well deserved.

“Following an extensive recruitment process that sought applicants nationally and internationally, Donna’s selection is testament to her highly credentialed career with Tasmania Police,” he said.

Adams first joined the Tasmania Police straight out of school at age 19 and says the position of Commissioner was not something she had thought she’d be awarded back in 1987. She has spoken previously about being outnumbered by men when first starting out in the force.

Donna worked in uniform, criminal investigations and training, Adams was promoted in 1998 to the rank of Sergeant and moved up to Inspector in 2004. She then became the first woman Commander in 2009 and after two years, was appointed to the role of Assistant Commissioner. Now, she is Commissioner and the highest ranked woman in the history of Tasmanian Police.

Adams’ leadership has been recognised in numerous awards, including a Commissioner’s Commendation for her work after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, an Australian Police Medal for Distinguished Service and a Tasmanian Police Service Medal for diligent and ethical service and, in 2019, was inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Roll.

Media reported that Donna said she will focus on “back-to-basics policing” in the wake of the pandemic and that “prevention and disruption” will be a key issue. “Now’s the time to re-focus on high visibility policing, and ensuring we have a strong focus on policing local issues in local communities,” she said.

Donna has had strong and continuing links with Dominic College and was inducted into the Dominic College Hall of Achievement in 2005. She has spoken to students at the school's International Women's Day breakfast and is an ongoing friend of many of her classmates.

Congratulations, Donna, on your historic appointment.