Ex-AFP Officer Joins RPNGC Leadership

A former Australian Federal Police investigator has been appointed the Executive Director of the RPNGC Internal Affairs Directorate.

Chief Superintendent Brendon Withers was sworn in as a member of the RPNGC and commissioned to the rank of Chief Superintendent on Thursday.

The commissioning was witnessed by Deputy Commissioner Special Operations Donald Yamasombi, Deputy Commissioner Field Operations Samson Kua, Assistant Commissioner Internal Affairs Emil Alpha, and Commander – PNG-Australia Policing Partnership, Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss.

The engagement is funded through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership. Commissioner Manning acknowledged the continued support of the Australian Government and the AFP.

“We thank the Australian Government and the AFP for supporting this appointment. Their partnership enables us to bring in specialist expertise to upskill, mentor and support our national officers” Commissioner Manning said.

The most recent appointment is facilitated through the RPNGC Executive Director program, which places experienced Commonwealth police officers into key RPNGC command positions to provide specialist capability, mentor national officers, and strengthen governance, discipline, and operational performance.

Commissioner Manning said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Constabulary.

“Internal Affairs plays a critical role in addressing misconduct, corruption, and unprofessional behaviour within the Constabulary. It is the guardian of our integrity and the mechanism through which we enforce discipline and accountability,”

“Our people members will appreciate that discipline is non-negotiable. Internal Affairs is central to enforcing that discipline. This appointment strengthens our ability to investigate, correct, and remove behaviours that undermine public trust,” he said.

CSP Withers is expected to work closely with the Internal Affairs leadership team, including Assistant Commissioner Alpha, to accelerate reforms, improve investigative capability, and reinforce ethical policing standards nationwide.

Commissioner Manning said the Constabulary remains committed to building a culture of professionalism and accountability.

“This appointment is part of our broader effort to rebuild confidence in the RPNGC. The Executive Director appointed today will lead by example, and our National Officers will continue to grow under his guidance until they take full ownership of this critical division,” he said