Editors --- "Anniversary wishes continue as AFP celebrates" [1999] AUFPPlatypus 29; (1999) 65 Platypus: Journal of the Australian Federal Police, Article 2

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Anniversary wishes continue as AFP celebrates

The October 1999 edition of Platypus Magazine included congratulatory letters from law enforcement agencies around the world, in recognition of the AFP's 20th anniversary.

Congratulations continue to arrive, with Chief Superintendent of the Hong Kong Narcotics Bureau, Henrique Koo, joining those whose wishes reflect the high regard in which the AFP is held internationally. Chief Superintendent Koo spoke highly of the Hong Kong Police/AFP relationship, saying the agencies had developed a strong partnership over time which was of great benefit to the business of fighting crime.

"Since the founding of the Australian Federal Police, the Hong Kong Police Narcotics Bureau has been involved in numerous investigations, both at the request of the AFP and during the past few years in a joint capacity, in what could best be described as a partnership," he said. "In recent years, this relationship has flourished to such an extent that the HKP Narcotics Bureau currently has more dealing with the Australian Federal Police than with any other overseas law enforcement agency.

"The professionalism and dedication of the officers in the AFP has greatly impressed both myself and my predecessors, so much so, that when my own officers put forward plans for the future of the HKP Narcotics Bureau, a good number of their ideas originated from the AFP.

"Although officers from the HKP have travelled to Australia on many occasions, our first and foremost knowledge of the AFP has come from the officers based at the AFP liaison office in Hong Kong. I would especially like to take the opportunity to thank these liaison officers, both past and present, for the contribution they have made in making our partnership such a success. I would also like to mention the contribution of those AFP officers who have been based at other posts overseas, especially those in Thailand, the Philippines and the other posts in the South East Asia region . . . at times they must have wondered whether they were working for the AFP or HKP!

"I look forward to our future partnership and wish both Platypus and all serving in the AFP a very happy 20th anniversary."

The anniversary day, on October 19, was celebrated across the organisation with various social gatherings held in each region. A family open day was held at Eastern Region's headquarters, Southern Region had a function for staff and former members, Northern Region hosted a barbecue for members and former members, and Western Region invited key stakeholders to a luncheon and held an informal social gathering in the afternoon. City Station in ACT Region opened to the public, and Head Office held a cake-cutting ceremony, at which Commissioner Mick Palmer congratulated the organisation for its achievements over its 20-year history.

Special editions of Platypus and regional newsletters were distributed, highlighting some of the major accomplishments of the organisation's first 20 years. The AFP Museum in Canberra arranged a display to depict the evolution of the AFP, focusing on major events since 1979, such as:

• the Hilton Hotel bombing, which ultimately led to the formation of the Australian Federal Police;

• the investigation into the murder of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester;

• the seizure of 997kg of cannabis in Western Region in 1990;

• the investigation into the removal of priceless fossils from WA and SA in the early 1990s;

• the seizure of 15 tonnes of cannabis resin in 1994's Operation Caribou; and

• the AFP's contribution to overseas peacekeeping missions.

The AFP's website also devoted an area to the anniversary, giving an overview of the AFP and making copies of anniversary publications available.

With the first 20 years celebrated, it is time now to look ahead to the next 20 years, which will no doubt see the organisation continue to fight crime and win.