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Vanstone, Amanda --- "From the Minister's desk" [1998] AUFPPlatypus 31; (1998) 61 Platypus: Journal of the Australian Federal Police, Article 2


From the Minister's desk

1998_3100.jpg

The year 1998 has been filled with high points and significant achievements for the Australian Federal Police.

In February of this year, at the Interpol Asian Regional Conference, the Prime Minister gave the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring that the AFP becomes a law enforcement agency second to none in the world. The Prime Minister also committed the Government to ensuring that the Commonwealth's law enforcement capability continues to be able to tackle the existing and emerging crimes of the next century. The AFP has an essential role in assisting Government to make Australia safer.

In July I was pleased to jointly announce with the Prime Minister additional funding of $65.02 million for the AFP. Together with the funding under the Tough on Drugs Campaign, this means the AFP will receive more than $108 million in additional funding over the next three years. During the election we promised further funding for an additional four mobile strike teams. The combined effect of these announcements will increase the AFP's operational capacity. In addition, the establishment of CrimTracwill also assist the AFP and all Australian police services in the collective fight against crime.

One of my highlights for the year was attending the Police College on September 28 to welcome the 65 new members into the AFP. This followed 40 other new members who were sworn into the AFP the previous week. I consider that this was a significant step forward in our fight against crime, and marked the first major intake of new members into the AFP in a decade.

I am only too aware of the scrutiny police work is often under and wish to place on record the Government's and my personal gratitude for the fine work and significant achievements attained by the AFP this year. There is inherent risk in the work carried out by the AFP and all law enforcement personnel. I can assure you all that the government and the vast majority of Australians are grateful.

I particularly acknowledge the highwater marks achieved this year in dismantling illicit drug syndicates in Australia. The AFP has enhanced strategic partnerships with the National Crime Authority, the Australian Customs Service, with State and Territory Police Services, and law enforcement agencies internationally. The results achieved in investigating organised crime, money laundering and fraud is further testimony to forging strong strategic partnerships with AUSTRAC, the Australian Taxation Office and other Commonwealth Departments.

I wish the readership of Platypus a safe and happy Christmas.

Amanda Vanstone


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