Stephen Dametto to head NSW Crime Commission

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Stephen Dametto to head NSW Crime Commission, taking over Michael Barne’s role

A senior AFP officer has been chosen as the new head of the NSW Crime Commission, after the state government made the call to replace its current boss despite an incredibly successful tenure.

Thoughtful choice for effective NSW Crime Commission
Josh Hanrahan
January 20, 2026

Stephen Dametto expected to head NSW Crime Commission, taking over Michael Barne’s role

A senior AFP officer has been chosen as the new head of the NSW Crime Commission, after the state government made the call to replace its current boss despite an incredibly successful tenure.

Josh Hanrahan

January 20, 2026 - 6:53PM

Outgoing NSW Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes is expected to be replaced by Stephen Dametto.

A senior Australian Federal Police officer has been chosen as the new head of the NSW Crime Commission, after the government decided to replace its current boss despite an incredibly successful tenure.

Stephen Dametto is expected to be announced as the head of the state government agency in the coming days, taking over from outgoing Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes.

Mr Barnes was appointed by the former coalition government in 2020 and led the crime commission to record seizures over recent years, only to be told by the Minns government last year that his job was being advertised.

He was initially given an extension of his contract until early February as an interview process was conducted, but sources said a selection panel last week settled on Mr Dametto.

Mr Dametto was most recently the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Eastern Command. Picture: Monique Harmer

Mr Dametto is a qualified barrister but is best known for his work through the AFP over the past 25 years.

He was most recently the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Eastern Command, encompassing the entirety of NSW including Sydney Airport.

The expected appointment of Mr Dametto, as forecast by The Telegraph last week, was criticised by Opposition Police and Counter-terror spokesman Anthony Roberts.

Mr Roberts slammed the Minns government for making a change, not only away from Mr Barnes, but also at such a time when the NSW Crime Commission is central to the investigation into the Bondi Beach terror attack, in its partnership alongside NSW Police, the AFP and ASIO.

A government spokesperson could not confirm Mr Dametto’s appointment, and said an interview process had been undertaken and an announcement on the successful candidate would be made at the appropriate time.

New boss for NSW Crime Commission

The five-year tenure of Stephen Dametto, the next boss of the NSW Crime Commission, will commence on February 24. 

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Stephen Dametto. (AAP Image/Steven Saphore) 

Stephen Dametto will take the reins as NSW Crime Commissioner, following the departure of Michael Barnes.

A former commander of the AFP’s Counter Terrorism Investigations East, which oversaw counter terrorism joint teams across Australia’s eastern states, Dametto is currently in charge of approximately 1,000 staff for the AFP’s largest regional command.

He has practised as a barrister in NSW, is a chartered accountant, and previously worked for the UK Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Paul Scully, acting police and counter-terrorism minister, announced Dametto’s appointment on Wednesday.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Dametto on his appointment,” Scully said.

“He brings decades of high-level experience across complex investigations and senior leadership skills which are invaluable to the ongoing work of the commission in preventing and disrupting organised crime in our community.”

The NSW Crime Commission is responsible for investigating serious crime and criminal activity in the state, as well as investigating and confiscating the proceeds of crime.

As a legal practitioner, Dametto has been involved in matters relating to criminal law, proceeds of crime, and inquiries. 

He brings more than three decades of experience in policing and will commence his five-year tenure from 24 February 2026.

“It’s a great honour to be appointed as the next commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission,” Dametto said.

“I look forward to working with the … dedicated investigators and experts to disrupt serious and organised crime.”

The minister described Dametto’s law and order expertise as “exceptional” and made him a strong choice to lead the commission into its next chapter.

Scully also thanked Barnes for his significant contribution to the commission over the last five years.