Friday, 21 June 2024
NSW Police Academy, Goulburn
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales

Thank you, Chief Superintendent.^[1]

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we meet today and pay my respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nations people here this morning.

Premier, Minister, Members of Parliament, Commissioner, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners, Mayor, Officers, family, friends, and, most importantly, members of Class 362 …

It is an honour to be here today as Reviewing Officer and to address Class 362, as I have had the honour to do on many occasions since first congratulating Class 337.  Each occasion is unique and in keeping with that tradition, today’s Parade has to be ranked as the coldest. I promise therefore that I won’t keep you long. 

The significance of your attestation Parade is twofold:  It is your first step into the New South Wales Police Force.  That is exciting and, as you have been told many times, carries with it a great deal of responsibility.   Every day will be different.  Some days you will feel that that you have made the world a better place, simply because you have done your policing job well.  Other days will be difficult.  Some days will require courage.  Other days will require physical and mental strength and fitness.  But everyday, whatever it brings, will be a day when you have done your duty in accordance with the oath you have just taken.  

Can I make this suggestion to you:  if ever you are unsure how to act in a particular situation, take 30 seconds to remember that oath.  It should always be your guide.  Along with that, you will have your training to call upon, your superior officers, your colleagues, your family who are always there with you and as importantly, your own intuition and judgment.   All these elements of your life are essential in enabling you to perform your duties well.

The second reason today is so significant is that you have made a decision to serve the community and to do so as part of a 17,000 strong police force, with 4,000 administrative officers.  Because of the mission of the New South Wales police force, to reduce violence, crime and fear, to achieve ‘a safer NSW’^[2], our community can walk in our streets, knowing that you are there to protect them.  Our thanks to every police officer and, from today, to you, is huge.

The courageous work of the New South Wales police and the gratitude we have for that is exemplified in the Commissioner’s Valour Award which is about to be presented.   There will also be the tradition of acknowledgement and proud march off of retiring officers.   In the case of both Inspector Scott who is the recipient of the valour award and the retiring officers whom we honour, their policing day started with signing on for duty.  It was the manner in which they performed their duty during every shift that enables us to so proudly applaud them today. 

And the final applause today will go to you.  Thank you for becoming a probationary constable of the New South Police Force.

[1] Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay

[2] https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/862276/NSWPF_Annual_Report_2022-23.pdf