Friday, 6 December 2024
NSW Police Academy, Goulburn
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you, Chief Superintendent,

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we meet today and all First Nations people here present, as I pay my respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging. I also acknowledge the enduring connection of First Nations’ people to Country, to culture and to community.

Minister, Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Mayor, Dean and Head of School Charles Sturt University,

Officers, family, friends, and, members of Class 364,

As you stand on the Parade ground this morning, it is not by chance that you are facing a podium at which are seated the Minister for Police, the Commissioner of this wonderful family of blue – the NSW Police Force, many senior officers and dignitaries and on either side your families and friends. It is not surprising because first, it is an historic day. You are the second class to attest as paid trainees and the largest Attestation class to graduate from the NSW Police Academy in 10 years.   

Secondly, and as I wish to stress, the NSW Police Force is important.  That means you are important.  You are an individual who has chosen to be a police officer. For that alone, you have our respect.  

Thirdly, the presence of so many people at your attestation is a tangible measure of the appreciation we all have that you have ‘signed up’, done your training, and graduated.  In doing so, you have dedicated yourself to the mission of the NSW Police Force to “work with the community to reduce violence, crime, and fear”.[1]  You have also accepted to uphold the values of the Police Force, including: “to place integrity above all” and "to uphold the rule of law”. 

We know that you have not made this choice lightly and to use a word that isn’t used often in these days of text messaging and emails - it is a noble choice.  Hence, can I say what a pleasure and privilege, it is as Governor of New South Wales and Reviewing Officer, to join you for the Attestation Parade of Class 364. 

Each day that you serve as a Probationary Constable and as a Police Officer in our State, you will encounter situations and incidents in which you will and must rely on your training and on the judgement you will acquire and build as you mature in your roles. 

Each day will bring its rewards and its challenges, and no day of your service will be the same. That is why being a Police Officer is recognised as one of the most important roles in our community that one can undertake. 

This year marks 40 years since the NSW Police Academy moved from its inner Sydney base of Redfern here to Goulburn, opened on 20 July 1984 with the attestation of the first graduating class, Class 203.  Since then, 161 Classes have graduated and over 38,000 Probationary Constables from across NSW have made their oath or affirmation.

In acknowledging this milestone, we thank all students who have graduated from this Academy to dedicate their service to the community.  We also thank the Goulburn community who have welcomed the young probationary constables who have graduated from here and with whom the Academy has developed a close relationship. It is a positive demonstration of a community that works together.

Speaking of community, last  week we were on a regional visit to South Coast communities who were severely affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires,  so today provides me with the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by NSW Police, including Academy staff,  for so readily deploying to assist, where and when needed.  Thank you – your service was invaluable to highly traumatised towns and villages along our coast.

Class 364, you follow a fine tradition of Police training and service, and you represent the future of the NSW Police Force. A future that continues to build strong relationships of respect and trust with communities across NSW, knowing that this relationship is at the heart of our vibrant, peaceful, civil and democratic society.

This morning, we also thank and acknowledge the retiring officer who is marching off the Parade today – Chief Inspector Jane Hansford - whose service embodies the professional and personal dedication of a NSW Police officer during her 41 years of service.

To each member of Class 364, congratulations and thank you for your commitment.   Go wisely.  You have our best wishes.

[1] NSW Police Act 1990