Congratulations Mr Chris Dawson APM

I congratulate Mr Chris Dawson APM on his appointment as Western Australia Police Commissioner.

I wish to express my gratitude for Mr Dawson’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) for the past three years.

I personally head-hunted Mr Dawson to spearhead the merger of the Australian Crime Commission and CrimTrac to establish the ACIC − marking a significant and historic milestone in Australia’s response to crime.

Together with Australia’s law enforcement agencies, the ACIC has been instrumental in the seizure of more than $890 million in drugs and $11.2 million in cash, and identifying 118 previously unknown money laundering targets, since it was established last year.

This vision to enrich Australia’s critical intelligence function will be a lasting legacy for Mr Dawson.

He will bring a considerable range and depth of experience to the Western Australia Police. In 2011 Mr Dawson was State Commander for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) where he was responsible for the security of all attending Heads of State from 53 Commonwealth countries and their respective senior ministers and delegates.

He was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service in the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, and prior to his appointment as the ACIC CEO, he held the rank of Deputy Commissioner in the Western Australia Police.

Although Mr Dawson will be sorely missed by the Commonwealth, as a fellow West Australian, I congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen Australia’s response to crime and criminal justice issues.

Interim arrangements for the role of ACIC CEO will be announced in due course.