Mark Walton served over 41 years with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), holding senior executive positions including Assistant Commissioner of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, Assistant Commissioner Central Metropolitan Region, and Director of Investigations in Professional Standards. He frequently acted as Deputy Commissioner, contributing at the highest levels of police leadership.

As Commander of the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, Mark oversaw prevention, disruption, and response to terrorism in NSW. He authorised major investigations and responses to multiple disrupted mass casualty plots. He also led the protection of international dignitaries, including visits by King Charles, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

Earlier, as Assistant Commissioner for Central Metropolitan Region, he led more than 2,500 staff across one of the largest and most complex policing areas in Australia. He also served as Regional Emergency Operations Controller and on several occasions as State Emergency Operations Controller, exercising responsibility under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act.

Nationally, Mark represented NSW on the Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC), influencing counter-terrorism capabilities across Australia. He chaired the ANZCTC Exercise Management Committee, leading reforms to national exercising arrangements, and served as Deputy Chair of the ANZCTC Investigation Sub-Committee. He was also instrumental in developing Australia’s counter-drone capability and shaping related legislation.

Mark initiated critical reviews of global terrorism incidents such as the Christchurch mosque shootings, Manchester Arena bombing, and London stabbings, applying lessons learned to strengthen NSW’s preparedness. He also led the development of NSWPF SHIELD, a partnership network of 2,000 security professionals across government and business, focused on protecting crowded places.

He spearheaded several major projects, including the replacement of firearms ($25M), ballistic vests ($30M), and tasers. Following mass casualty reviews, Mark introduced the NSWPF Family Liaison Program, praised nationally for its trauma-informed, victim-centric approach, notably supporting families affected by the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbings.

His operational leadership extended to high-profile events such as APEC 2007, World Youth Day 2008, New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, VIVID Sydney, and major concerts and sporting events. He also played a pivotal role in NSW’s COVID-19 emergency response, coordinating with the Australian Defence Force to rapidly deploy personnel, a model later adopted nationally.

Beyond policing, Mark held a Commission as a Special Service Officer Captain in the Australian Army (2010–2024), where he contributed to investigative and quality assurance work in the Military Police. He continues to advance his expertise with qualifications in security, training, and risk assessment, and is a graduate of multiple leadership programs including LinCT and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.