His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM
Community Service
Governor of Western Australia
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM was sworn in as the 34th Governor of Western Australia on 15 July 2022.
After graduating from Perth Modern School he joined the Western Australia Police Force in 1976, going on to provide 46 years of service in Australian law enforcement in country and metropolitan positions. The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002 saw him awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.
After 10 years as Deputy Commissioner, he served in a national role in Canberra and was then appointed Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force in 2017, serving until July 2022. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Dawson coordinated the State of Emergency.
In 2023 Governor Dawson was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for service to public administration through law enforcement roles, to reconciliation, and as the 34th Governor appointed in Western Australia.