FBI National Academy Associates Asia-Pacific Chapter 2015 Conference

Thank you, Deputy Commissioner. I, too, acknowledge Minister Jo-Ann Miller; Ambassador Berry. I extend the warmest of Queensland welcomes to all honoured guests and distinguished law enforcement professionals gathered here today, in particular those visiting our State for the first time.

I am delighted to see the beautiful Gold Coast hosting this important conference. It represents an opportunity to share knowledge across borders and enhance responses to major security challenges of our day.

As your conference program indicates, one is the capacity of terrorist groups to exploit the speed and global reach of digital platforms to proselytise and recruit. 

Another is the determination of organised crime gangs to amass wealth and influence illegally and often brutally.

I note that the Queensland Police Service will be sharing with you its recent experience in combating this threat to the community.

These are issues that make news headlines almost daily in many countries, including ours.  They represent global challenges that require a global response.

The formal sessions of this conference, and the less formal discussions, will strengthen professional relationships at the organisational and personal levels. They will enhance that global response.

As Governor and a recent Chief Justice of Queensland, I thank the law enforcement professionals here today for their participation in the conference. We value cooperation and collaboration of this kind very highly. 

I take this opportunity also to thank you for your steadfast dedication to keeping our communities safer.

I know that your work bears minimal resemblance to the glamorous versions portrayed on our TV screens.

Real intelligence gathering and law enforcement can involve unexciting routine, highly dangerous operations, and everything in between.    

I wish you all a productive and professionally satisfying conference on the Gold Coast.  

I congratulate the FBI Academy as it celebrates, in 2015, eighty years of contributing to national and international law enforcement skills.

And it is with great pleasure that I now declare officially open the 2015 Conference of the Asia-Pacific Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. 

Thank you.