True Blue December 2020 by Countrywide Austral

December 2020

True Blue OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Edition 39 ISSN: 2203-8507

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The United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, (UNOPAA) is an Australian incorporated, non profit organisation whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Police Forces throughout Australia who have served or are serving with United Nations or AFP International Deployment Group (IDG) Peacekeeping Forces throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is posted to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where AFP IDG are serving. Our magazine contains welfare, legislative and social information relevant to the well being and camaraderie of UNOPAA members who have, or are serving in Australia’s National Interest. Aims of the UNOPAA: 1. To maintain and foster the memory of UNOPAA members killed whilst serving with United Nations Forces or IDG. 2. To provide welfare, legal and financial support where and when appropriate to members. 3. To promote social occasions such as Reunions, etc., including United Nations and Anzac Day Marches. 4. To pursue and lobby industrial, legal and political avenues, when necessary in order to improve the welfare and industrial benefits to our members. We acknowledge the assistance of Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, who, in conjunction with the UNOPAA, have made the publication and distribution of ‘TRUE BLUE’ magazine possible! Your financial contribution to the publication of our magazine is greatly appreciated.

Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, the editor, the publisher or printer. “True Blue” is published by Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Melbourne from funds supplied by advertisers in this magazine. Please support our advertisers and their products.

Rod Walker True Blue Editor Email: enidandrod@tpg.com.au Mobile: 0411 953 966

UNOPAA Contacts National President Mr Mick Travers APM Mobile: 0418 297 086 Email: Michael.Travers@afp.gov.au National Vice President Mr Rod Walker Tel: 0411953966 Email: enidandrod@tpg.com.au National Vice President Mr Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620 Mobile: 0418 266 033 Email: UNOPAA@gmail.com National Secretary/Treasurer Mr Peter McDonald APM PO Box 253 Keilor East Vic 3033 Mobile: 0418 131 352 Email: vp14970@gmail.com Australian Capital Territory State President: Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620 Mobile: 0418 266 033 Email: heldale.cooper@bigpond.com New South Wales State President: Mark Elm Email: markrobinelm1969@icloud.com

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Victoria/Tasmania State President: Shaun Young Knox Police Complex, 414 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152 Tel. (03) 9881 7061 Mobile: 0438 508 229 Email: shaun.young@police.vic.gov.au Queensland State President: John Walker APM Unit 7, 51 Grand Parade, Parrearra QLD 4575 Tel: 07 5437 6587 Mobile 0474 157 982 Email: whiskeywalker1941@flexinet.com.au South Australia State President: Garry Casey 40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140 Tel: 08 8390 3568 Mobile: 0427 188 449 Email: garry.casey@police.sa.gov.au Western Australia State President: Darcy Boylan 21 Templemore Drive Heathridge WA 6027 Tel: 08 9402 0030 Mobile: 0408 120 299 Email: darc.boylan@police.wa.gov.au Northern Territory President: Allan Mitchell 5 Eureka Court Anula NT 0812 Tel: 08 8927 2676 Mobile: 0417 804 546 Email: almitch@bigpond.com.au

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True Blue December 2020

Contents 4 From the Editor’s desk 5 National President’s Report – 2020 AGM 6 Statement from the Hon Scott Morrison MP 7 Wall to Wall 2020 8 Musings from Melbourne – Australia’s COVID Capital? 10 National Police Remembrance Day 12 Operation Oden 20 UN brings Cyprus leaders together, mulling future talks on divided island 21 Varosha 22 A bit of humour 24 2020 UNOPAA Annual General Meeting

‘Options’ Paper

28 AFPFMA calls on Government to adopt the term ‘police veteran’ for former police 29 Productivity Commission Report Update 30

Australian Police Statistics

32 AFP Women, Police and Peace virtual exhibition 33

Can You Assist?

34 UNOPAA 2021 Norfolk Island Conference Travel Packages 38 Vale 39

Membership Renewal or Application

40 Merchandise

True Blue December 2020

Do we have your Email Address? UNOPAA maintains a membership database and communicates with its members from time to time by email. If you haven’t been receiving these communications, it may be that we don’t have your email address, or it is out of date. If uncertain, or it appears we don’t have it, please send your email address to the Secretary, Peter McDonald, at vp14970@gmail.com

True Blue December 2020

From the Editor’s desk Well, hasn’t this year been one for the books!!! Not since the end of the First World War when the returning soldiers brought the Spanish Flue pandemic to our shores have we seen anything like this. But we have (and will) survive this beast. My hat goes off to our Victorian citizens who have had to endure one of the harshest lockdowns in the world. Thankfully, they are now out of that and, as I write this column, the Victorian/NSW border has re-opened allowing free travel between the states. Then, last week, there was an outbreak in South Australia with that state being placed into a similar lockdown, only to be lifted a couple of days later after the truth of the outbreak was discovered. It just goes to show that this virus knows no boundaries and can pop up anywhere. Many thanks to our National Secretary/Treasurer (Peter McDonald) who has provided an overview of what it was like to be in ‘lockdown’ in Victoria. I am sure you will find that interesting. This year should have been a year of significant celebrations and commemorations. Our normal day-to-day lives have certainly changed. No ANZAC Day gatherings or get togethers, no large gatherings to commemorate National Police Remembrance Day, Peacekeepers Day or UN Day. Did you know that this year was the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations? Sort of went under the radar due to COVID restrictions, no significant celebrations held, however, I have included a statement by the Australian Prime Minister (Hon Scott Morrison MP) on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations in this issue. Marzio Da Re has provided another article for us to entwine ourselves into. This article concerns ‘Operation Oden’ – a drug importation investigation which encompasses the intricacies of dealing with international law enforcement agencies and tracing drug lords across the globe. A good read. There has been some movement in relation to the Cyprus situation this year with the recent meeting of South & North Cyprus leaders and also the announcement of the North opening up the Famagusta area (a bit of conjecture over this) read more about this in this issue. Also, Hewan O’Neill has provided a ‘lighthearted’ spin on ‘Church Notices’ which I thought might brighten your day.

With the majority of state borders now open (hopefully ongoing) many of us now have the opportunity spend the festive season with our families. I sincerely hope that you are able to gather with your families and friends to enjoy this festive season. Enjoy the moment for heaven knows what next year will bring. I wish you all a Joyous and Happy Festive Season. See you next year at the Norfolk Island Reunion (October). Finally, I will leave you with a photo of Enid’s latest Christmas creation (yep – Enid’s been working on it for a while).

Rod and Enid Walker Editor True Blue

True Blue December 2020

National President’s Report – 2020 AGM Once again I’m fortunate to inform and advise you of the National Executive’s efforts over the last 12 months. Whilst the past 12 months started at a feverish pace at the Sunshine Coast with our Reunion & Conference arranged by Whiskey & Julie Walker the remainder of the last 12 months has been difficult and different for almost all of us. Weather it has been drought ,fire , flood or COVID I am sure that all of our membership has been effected in some way and to those doing it tough , remember we are here to support you. I’ve continued contact with not only the National Executive but most of the State Presidents, but I do note that more regular contact does need to occur. I again what to acknowledge Shaun Young for the work he is doing in both Victoria & Tasmania. After the very sad loss of so many of our members this year it is a reminder that we are all mortal. I do want to mention the passing of Doc Gillespie and record our sympathy to Doreen and who have both been stalwarts of the UNOPAA for so long. The passing also of Geoff Parker from SA also needs to be mentioned by me , given he gave so much to ensuring the SA Brach not only survived difficult times , but has now flourished under his and Gary’s leadership. I need to thank our Vice President and editor of True Blue in Rod Walker. Rod has ensured that the revised format and a fresh look with some many interesting articles in all editions of TB that is currently “On line”only. Peter, Dale, Rod and myself have worked on improving our governance this last 12 months and many aspects of that are shown at the matters that were addressed at this AGM. The Awards & Recognition Committee have not been as active as I know they would want to be and this is something that we need to consider moving into the next 12 Months. Obviously last October’s UNOPAA Reunion and Conference in Qld took a lot of effort and I again thank Whiskey & Julie and their team that assisted to make the event so successful. I will let Peter advise on our financial position, but again believe we are in a good position even with the loss of some funding from our True Blue publisher. I was fortunate to travel to Cyprus in November officially last year and with Ian Wards Sisters Barbara & Rosemary, members of the AFP Senior Executive and Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy from NSW Police and his wife

attend the rededication of Ian Wards Memorial within Sector 1 of the UNBZ. This again reminded me that the ultimate sacrifice of Peacekeepers should and will never be forgotten. We had a decent role up for the event on 29 May at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on ANZAC Parade. The 14 September Service arranged by the APPVA with some assistance from ourselves and the AFP was also well attended and we need to be more involved with that event next year. We will continue to assist with any future events held at the site as it is a fitting memorial and location to honour your service and that of all other peacekeepers. I still believe that we could and should be doing so much more to support our members, but we need more involvement from members to assist with this activities. I have again been re-elected to the position as National President, I do not take thisreelecton as a given and know that in my 10th year as the National President I need to focus for the next 12 months to ensure; • Better and more frequent engagement with the State Braches. • The Honours and Awards Committee to be reinvigorated or needs to become active • Our Social media presence through Facebook, Twitter and other mediums needs to be enlarged • The Norfolk Island Conference & Reunion needs to be supported • Our non-financial members need to be ask to recommit to the UNOPAA • The UNOPAA attendance at remembrance and others services across Australia and Overseas acknowledging our members service and sacrifices needs to be grown • We reinvigorate our approach to all level of Government to ensure that UNOPAA members are supported and receive assistance for issues that they have because of their service But this cannot occur without a commitment from both the current National Executive and our broader membership. I ask all of you to consider what you may be able to do in the next 12 months to support the UNOPAA. My warmest regards to all.

Mick Travers APM National President

True Blue December 2020

Statement from the Hon Scott Morrison MP 75 years ago, the world faced a new dawn and it faced the question, would we continue to go down the path of war, conflict, genocide, or would we find a better way, a way that recognised that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights? The world sought to answer this question with the United Nations. On this important anniversary, we recall two Australians who played a significant part at the outset. Of course, there was Doc Evatt, our External Affairs Minister in the 1940s, who believed in what the UN could become. He negotiated with passion and gusto in San Francisco, moving from room to room, and he went on to be President of the General Assembly. He fought for fairer representation for the smaller states. In his words, no sovereign state, however small, would wish to think that its destiny has been handed over to another power, however great. It was true then, and it’s true today. And there was Jessie Street, the only woman in Australia’s delegation and only one of eight women out of 850 delegates that were there in San Francisco. She worked to ensure that the word “sex” was in the clause “without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion” wherever it occurs in the UN Charter. Jessie Street was told that women’s rights were assumed in the charter. Her response was “We don’t believe in taking chances.” Good old Australian realism. Her action helped ensure that the UN stood for the dignity and rights of all.

On this anniversary, I want to pay tribute to every Australian and all indeed who have served as a peacekeeper, delivered aid, tended the sick and contributed to the cause of peace anywhere in the world. And I particularly also want to acknowledge the members of our Pacific family of nations who have played their part in all of these important services. We share that faith and we honour their service. Like the humanity it serves, the UN is of course not perfect. But its quest is to embody our better angels by listening and engaging, by collaborating and working on the solutions that lift all. This work goes on. It is as worthy and needed today as we face the challenges of health and climate and economy, a COVID recession, scientific challenges, political challenges of our day. So many, just as it was 75 years ago when the world emerged from the ruins of a global conflict. So I honour all who are continuing this great work, as we acknowledge once again this incredibly important anniversary. 29 September 2020

True Blue December 2020

Wall to Wall 2020 Due to COVID-019 restrictions, this year’s Wall To Wall Ride was limited to local (Regional) rides. In Canberra, this year’s ride comprised of around thirty bikes and 65 attendees at the service at the National Police Memorial. None the less it was, again, a special day for those who attended. Other Jurisdictions across Australia held their own Wall to Wall Ride with most culminating at the respective Police Memorials.

Approximately 30 bikes took part in the Canberra Wall to Wall Ride.

65 participants at the National Police Memorial Service after the ride.

True Blue December 2020

Musings from Melbourne

Australia’s COVID Capital? 2020 was always going to be a challenging year for my wife and I. We sold the house we’d lived in since 1972 just prior to the Caloundra reunion in October 2019, and moved into a smaller 3 bedroom unit we leased in December as we searched for something that met our needs.

It was all part of downsizing. The kids were long gone and the youngest of our four grandchildren was starting school in February. So we were looking forward to a little less babysitting, a bit more time on our hands, some more travel and, of course, finding a new home. We’d also found a new best friend. The real estate agent who sold our house sensed an opportunity to land a second sale, this time to us, so was making suggestions about suitable houses, often nothing like what we were looking for, but he kept pressing us nonetheless. We settled into a routine. Down to the nearby shops for a coffee, out one night a week with some friends for a meal, my wife’s regular walking group, and me off to the sauna at the Ascot Vale Leisure

True Blue December 2020

Centre to meet up with old friends, some of the racing fraternity that frequent the area because of its proximity to Flemington, and some of the shady characters with a past that live in that part of Melbourne. One of my wife’s cousins and his partner also came out to Melbourne from the UK to stay with the partner’s brother. So we met up with them until he caught a virus of sorts and spent a couple of spells in hospital. Luckily he recovered enough to travel home in late February, just ahead of the pandemic. Like most, we accepted the restrictions the Victorian Government imposed in March and even began a reasonable routine. A daily walk, healthier eating as we weren’t going out as much, and I even got back on the bike I’d bought a few years back and let lay idle in the garage at our old place. There was, of course, a downside. Less contact with our friends, virtually no face to face contact with our children and grandchildren except over Zoom, and no travel. But as we became more familiar with the restrictions, we started to show more interest in the houses on the market. We did manage to find a house that we liked in May and made a bid for it. Public auctions had been banned, so we were asked to confirm our bid in writing and attend a virtual auction with a rival bidder in the real estate agent’s offices one evening. When we got there, we found that one of the estate agents had been out earlier that evening trying to interest a third bidder in the premises – something I thought was dirty pool but not unexpected from that profession. Anyway, our bid was tabled, the other bidder went slightly higher, we went above it again and he immediately folded. We’d bought a house, with settlement in July. Things didn’t change very much until the big lockdown. We settled on our new home, which wasn’t very far away from where we were renting, and as we had a 12 month lease, we didn’t have to move in a hurry. So I spent a lot of time making our new place ready under my wife’s direction. I would walk or ride around there almost daily, and do a number of handyman jobs with the assistance of Mr. Google. It’s not work I know much about, so the tips and tricks the internet offered were most appreciated. Melbourne’s Stage 4 lockdown took effect on 8 July. The curfew imposed from 8am to 5pm lasted until 28 September and the restriction on travel to no more than 5kms from home lasted for another month. Restrictions on home visits, exercise, dining, shopping and close contact were also imposed and have only recently been eased.

“From our perspective, the curfew made little difference as we don’t go out much at night. But it allowed me to joke that I was no longer allowed out before 5am! And it was annoying to hear the young people in the unit behind us sneaking in late after curfew. I thought they’d be an easy pinch if our local police were in the area.”

From our perspective, the curfew made little difference as we don’t go out much at night. But it allowed me to joke that I was no longer allowed out before 5am! And it was annoying to hear the young people in the unit behind us sneaking in late after curfew. I thought they’d be an easy pinch if our local police were in the area. Daniel Andrew’s daily press briefings became a “must watch” event, and I became an expert at “click and collect”, especially at Bunnings in line with my handyman work. We also managed to sneak in a couple of drive-way visits with our grandchildren, who live within the 5km limit “as the crow flies”. McDonald’s drive-throughs must have been doing a roaring trade, given what they were eating in the back seat during their visit. The behaviour of others is probably what has rankled most. Or maybe it’s because of my age. Many people seem proud of their noses, so leave them exposed when they should be covered by a face mask. Some are poor judges of distance, so don’t observe correct social distancing. Others can’t count, so gather in groups that exceed the prescribed number. And our media seem to go out of their way to discover someone who likes to whinge or who is demanding special treatment, no matter how nebulous their reasons are. 2021 promises to be a better year. We’ve moved into our new home, Melbourne’s case numbers have reduced, and maybe a vaccine is on its way. I might get to see the cricket, the tennis, and maybe even a decent game of AFL!

Peter McDonald

National Police Remembrance Day 29 September 2020, National Police Memorial, Canberra 2020 saw the National Police Remembrance Day in Canberra being commemorated quite differently to any previous commemorations. There was no large parade of hundreds of police officers from all jurisdictions marching down Kings Avenue, no members of the public were permitted to attend. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only invitees were permitted to attend which meant numbers attending were significantly down to previous years. Yet, this year’s commemoration was more emotional and somber. Although attendance was restricted, the service was more poignant and moving. It was a simple, yet moving, service. The flags of all Australian jurisdictions and the AFP Banner were paraded, led by the AFP Pipes and Drums, a riderless horse (from the NSW Mounted Police) cloaked in a Victorian Police saddle cloth. The parade commenced under the arches of the National Carillion and concluded at the entrance to the National Police Memorial. As we are all aware, four Victorian Police Officers lost their lives in a horrific accident on one of Melbourne’s major motorways (Eastern Freeway) on the 22nd April this year. This tragedy bought home the dangers of policing in the communities in which we serve. This year, along with others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice throughout our

region, we particularly remember these four officers whose names were enshrined on the National Police Memorial Wall. In his address to those gathered at the National Police Memorial Day Service, AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM said the day was about paying tribute to police who had made the ultimate sacrifice. “Today we remember those whose lives were cut tragically short because they were serving their community,’’ “There are 798 names on the National Police Memorial Wall, 798 too many. There are too many families who no longer have a father, mother, husband, or wife. “To those families who have lost loved ones, we grieve with you. We also reflect on their commitment to duty and striving every day to keep the public safe. “In particular, we stand with the families and loved ones of the four Victoria Police officers who were tragically taken from us earlier this year. While we can never take away the weight of your loss, across Australia, the entire policing family, is here to support you.”

True Blue December 2020

The Parade was led by members of the NSW Mounted Police.

Riderless horse, AFP Pipes & Drums and flags of all Australian Jurisdictions march to the NPM.

Australian National Flag and Jurisdiction Flags on parade.

The riderless horse wore a Victorian Police saddle cloth to honour the four Victorian Officers who lost their lives.

The Parade standing to attention awaiting the arrival ofÂ dignitaries.

Riderless horse preparing to be parade into the NPM.

Arrival of the Governor General. Met by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM.

Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Joshua Prestney.

True Blue December 2020

Operation Oden By Marzio Da Re

Retired AFP members Mark Townsend and Murray Smith, together with RCMP Staff Sergeant Mike Hiller have provided an insightful account into the challenges and complications of investigating major drug importations into Australia. Since the formation of the AFP in 1979 and the amalgamation with the former Narcotics Bureau shortly thereafter, Investigators from Perth Office have intercepted, disrupted or eliminated at least twenty (20) significant transnational crime syndicates from penetrating the vast sea borders on the West Coast of Australia. From the early 80’s small craft imported compressed cannabis heads from Thailand, Hashish from the Middle East and Golden Crescent, heroin from Burmese war lords in the Golden Triangle, Cocaine from the cartels in South America, MDMA from Europe and now Ice from China. In this case study we look at the elimination of a very significant Asian Crime Syndicate trafficking and importing refined No.4 heroin and marketed as ‘Double U O Globe’ by Asian Warlord Khun Sa in the infamous Golden Triangle.

OPERATION ODEN Retired AFP members Detectives Sergeant Mark Townsend and Murray Smith were former stalwarts of the AFP Perth Office both having long and distinguished careers in investigating transnational crimes both in Australia and abroad. Both were case officers for Operation Oden, an excellent demonstrated example of how initiative, application and determination unravelled a highly organised transnational Asian Crime Syndicate. The International aspects of this investigation and prosecution played out for over a decade from WA to South East Asia to Canada, pushing International treaties and legal procedures and extradition treaties to the limit. Eventually justice won over. Mark and Murray, along with their Royal Canadian Mounted Police colleague Mike Hiller, provided the following account of this long and arduous investigation. The seizure of 48kg of heroin was the third largest in Australia at the time, and came at a point where heroin use would build to epidemic levels by the end of the 90’s. It also must be understood that this syndicate had, prior to turning their attention to Australia, successfully imported hundreds of kilograms of heroin into the North American market. It was a time that the Australian Government had declared a ‘Tough on Drugs’ strategy where up to 600 young Australians were losing their lives to heroin each year. In September 1994 the Drug Operations Branch in Perth received information from the NSW Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that an informant had been ordered by an NSW criminal syndicate with travelling to Perth to collect 39 units (a bit over 27kg) of heroin. The informant travelled to Perth under the supervision of the NSW DEA and a Royal Hong Kong Police Officer seconded to that agency. Shortly after his arrival the informant and DEA members met with AFP members and provided a briefing. The informant then made contact with a shore party which had apparently facilitated the importation. Arrangements were made for the informant to travel to the Toorak Lodge Motel on Great Eastern Highway, Rivervale,

True Blue December 2020

where he was to collect the heroin. By then under AFP surveillance, two Asian male occupants of the motel retrieved a bag from the boot of their hired vehicle handing the bag to the informant.

let me worry about where the money is coming from”. Which sums Rod up – a much-loved boss who trusted his troops and did everything in his power to facilitate their work.

The informant returned to his hotel in the city centre and provided the bag to Det. Sgt. Mark Townsend where it was established that it contained about 27kg of approximately 83% pure heroin. The heroin was wrapped in individual 700 gram blocks with the distinctive red brand of Double U O Globe imprinted on each block. This was a well-known packaging of heroin indicating it was sourced and originated through Burmese drug lord Khun Sa.

Surveillance continued on all three targets, who were soon observed meeting with 2 unknown Asian males. These 2 males were later handed a bag by the overseer WAN. They then booked bus tickets to Adelaide, SA. As all of Perth Office were already deployed, we were unable to put surveillance members on the bus. In a negotiated decision with the Adelaide Office the males were allowed to travel. The reasoning was that they were carrying a substituted substance that posed no public risk and that once they were on the bus there was only one route they could take. Adelaide Office then provided operational officers to bid the weary travellers welcome to their fair city, duly arrested them, seized 11 kgs of substituted heroin and later saw them convicted and given lengthy prison sentences. AFP interviews established that the males had been inserted as ‘sleepers’ into Sydney 18 months previously by a Hong Kong triad and put up in a hotel. This was the first time they had been activated – or so they said. (This was now win number 3 for Operation Oden). However, still many unanswered questions remained, like where the point of importation occurred.

The heroin was duly substituted by AFP forensic officer Keith Taylor, and the inert substance was provided to the DEA officers, who then travelled back to Sydney, NSW where a controlled delivery of the substituted substance to a Sydney resident took place. The resident, who was identified as Peter WEN, was arrested and later convicted for possession of the ‘heroin’ and was sentenced to 6 years in prison. (First win for Operation Oden). Back in Perth, the AFP had commenced an around the clock surveillance operation on the two suspects resident at the Toorak Lodge, who had been identified as Canadian citizens from Vancouver, LAU Chuck Sun (LAU) and CHEUNG Kwong Yue (CHEUNG). To complicate things the 2 males were accompanied in their room by a female, later identified as the girlfriend of LAU. A day or so later the two males were seen meeting with another Asian male who was later identified as fellow Vancouver resident WAN Ho Kwong (WAN). WAN was followed back to his motel, the nearby Bel Eyre. When the opportunity arose and WAN had left his room, the AFP executed a covert search warrant on the room in the presence of an independent witness. Officers discovered a further 21kg of heroin hidden in a suitcase under the bed. The heroin was seized, substituted by AFP Forensic and replaced in the room. (Win No. 2 for Operation Oden.) By now 48 kgs of heroin had been seized and the resources of the small Perth Officer were quickly becoming stretched and operational costs mounted. Then Perth Office Commander Rod Leffers was fully supportive with 60 officers already deployed across the operation aspects of this investigation. A few days into the operation Murray was sitting in the Ops room in RHQ on a Sunday morning when Commander Leffers sat down for a chat. He asked how the job was going, and Murray replied, “Good boss, we’ve seized 48kg of heroin, but I’m afraid I’m spending your money at a rate of knots.” Mr. Leffers said “mate, if you need to call out the army reserve then do so,

Back in Perth, surveillance of LAU, CHEUNG and WAN continued. It was clear that the three and LAU’s girlfriend were playing the tourist in and around Perth during this time. About 12 days after their arrival in Perth, LAU, CHEUNG and LAU’s girlfriend headed to the airport to catch a Cathay Pacific flight to Vancouver via Hong Kong. WAN remained in his hotel room. Once again, a decision had to be made. 10 kilograms of substituted heroin remained in the room occupied by WAN, and the AFP had no idea who it was intended for. Some thought was given to allowing those at the airport to travel and alerting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). However, the decision was taken out of police hands when a Sydney magistrate refused an application for a suppression order in relation to Peter WEN’s arrest and the substituted heroin that had been seized there. It was apparent the news of his arrest was therefore likely to soon become public knowledge. Accordingly, LAU and CHEUNG were arrested at the Airport and WAN was arrested in his motel room. LAU’s girlfriend was also detained but later released, as it appeared, she was not criminally involved. LAU, CHEUNG and WAN were interviewed, but little cooperation was initially forthcoming. As the process involved lawyers CHEUNG and WAN gave no comment interviews but after subsequent discussions

True Blue December 2020

with Lau’s lawyer D/Sgt. Townsend was able to obtain some cooperation from LAU. Mark’s corroborator in the interview with LAU at the time was a very fresh-faced Detective Constable by the name of Reece Kershaw. Murray says “I doubt that many have heard of him since, but I have always wondered what has become of him. He was a good young bloke, who had the gift of the gab in a large serving. I fondly remember doing some long surveillance shifts with him during this operation and finishing each shift with sore ribs from constant laughing. Never mind, I’m sure the young bloke went on to make something of his life.” As often happens in these situations LAU, unlike his co-offenders, indicated he would fully cooperate with police in order to obtain benefits available to offenders who plead guilty and assist authorities in ongoing investigations. At that stage it was considered important to know about all the persons involved and how such a large amount of heroin was brought into Australia. At that stage LAU had effectively “rolled over” and it was necessary to video record him, with his solicitor present, to prove his involvement and hopefully use him as a witness in criminal proceedings against all others involved. LAU was interviewed for a number of hours into the early morning. Eventually he was charged and lodged at the lockup with co-offender’s WAN and CHEUNG. LAU was interviewed on a number of later occasions, over the following days with all of the interviews being video recorded. (Operation Oden wins 4, 5 & 6). The benefits of video records of interview are well known. In the case of LAU it was crucial in proving that he spoke freely without threat and it was clear the only reason he was talking to police was in order to obtain a discount on sentence. Later in the Canadian Court Appeal process LAU claimed he was threatened and beaten and that the evidence in the interview should be thrown out for this reason and that he would not receive natural justice if extradited to Australia. LAU described how he and CHEUNG had been tasked at short notice by his boss in Vancouver with flying to Perth, Australia, then driving to Geraldton, a port about 400 kilometres north of Perth. Once there they attended the Geraldton wharf and met with three Chinese crewmen from the bulk carrier ship MV Trans Aspiration, which had recently arrived from Guangzhou, China. They arranged to meet with the three crew in the early hours of the next morning, and at that meeting they collected 3 bags containing 48kg of heroin. LAU and CHEUNG then drove back to Perth, and from there events transpired as previously described.

As luck would have it, due to a maritime union strike the MV Trans Aspiration was still docked at Geraldton wharf at the time LAU and company were arrested. During his interview LAU stated he would be able to recognise the 3 crew members. LAU had agreed to accompany D/Sgt. Townsend and Constable Kershaw to Geraldton to identify the three crew. They flew to Geraldton courtesy of the WAPOL Airwing, where they met with the AFP resident agent Detective Sergeant Jim McLaren, WAPOL and members of the Geraldton Customs office. These local law enforcement officials were able to facilitate getting LAU onto the wharf where he remained secreted in the back seat of the police vehicle, and he was able to pick the three suspect crew members from a line-up of approximately 12 crew conducted on the wharf. Apart from arresting the crew a search of the vessel aimed at locating any further evidence and/or narcotics was commenced by Customs and there was continual liaison with them during the search. Due to the size of the vessel the search took a number of hours to complete and continued into the next morning. The three crew members were

True Blue December 2020

transported to WAPOL police station in Geraldton. None of the three crew could speak English, which further complicated matters and required the use of telephone interpreters. Preliminary interviews were conducted with the three crew, to ensure they understood why they had been arrested and to get an indication if they would assist police in the future. The three crew were arrested and after a brief court hearing the next morning, they were remanded into the custody of the WA Department of Corrections for transport to a Perth remand centre. (Operation Oden wins 7, 8 & 9) The assistance from Customs, WAPOL and The AFP Resident Agent Jim McLaren was very much appreciated. At the court the next day the number of media present outside court was huge. Without WAPOL assistance at very short notice a logistically difficult task would have proved impossible. We often say that serious crime can’t be tackled by any one agency alone; that to be successful we have to leverage off the strengths of our partners. Never was that truer than in this case. As you can imagine it remained a very busy time in Perth Office even after the offenders were in custody. There were the usual detailed statements to be taken and court deadlines met. At the same time Det. Sgts. Townsend and Smith undertook comprehensive debriefs with the 3 crew members, one of whom, FU Wei Huan, turned out to be perhaps the most helpful cooperating offender the case officers have come across. As an example, after he served his incarceration and was returned to his province in China, Mark stayed in contact with him, as he had agreed to return to Australia to give evidence against LAU and Tommy HO (referred to below). Even years later he was just as willing to return to Australia to give evidence. The crew described how they had met with a man by the name of Tommy HO Kin Chuen on the wharf in Guangzhou. HO promised the men 40,000 Canadian dollars each if they would take delivery of an item, carry it with them on the MV Trans Aspiration and pass it on to someone who would meet them in Vancouver, the port the vessel was regularly travelling to at that time. That sort of money was irresistible to FU, who wanted to get married, but on his current pittance of a salary would be unable to do so for many years. Agreement was reached, and 3 suitcases were delivered to FU and his friends on the wharf in Guangzhou. Unbeknown to HO or the crew, the MV Trans Aspiration, which made regular runs between Guangzhou and Vancouver, was about to be switched to collect wheat from Geraldton. With the heroin

aboard, the ship sailed between Guangzhou and Geraldton for the next several months. HO, who had quite a deal of money invested in the project, hurriedly put together the plan for LAU, CHEUNG and WAN to fly to Australia to collect the heroin. He also arranged buyers for the drugs in Sydney. While this Canadian – directed importation had not been initially planned for Australia, it was soon followed by multiple importations around Australia by the Canadian Chinese syndicate ‘Big Circle Boys’. FU provided extensive detail of his dealings with HO, including phone numbers used to conduct incriminating conversations, dates and places of meetings, dates on which HO had travelled from Vancouver and Guangzhou and hotels he used. The task of AFP members was now to corroborate as much of what FU had told us as possible. The first step was to establish contact with the RCMP Drug Section in Vancouver, and this was facilitated by AFP Senior Liaison Officer (SLO) Los Angeles Shane Castles who, as in most things he did throughout his career, excelled and became an excellent sounding board for what was and was not possible to obtain in the way of evidentiary material. AFP began regular phone contact with RCMP member Mike Hiller – who we will refer to at greater length later in the story. Mike was provided with a full briefing, including what it was we needed to prove in order to charge Tommy HO. At the same time we commenced work with the Attorney General’s Department in Canberra to construct Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty Requests, and ultimately an extradition request. AGD officers John Hodges and Alexandra Downie were tireless workers on our behalf, and like so many others from partner agencies were instrumental in this case proceeding beyond a mere drug seizure. On 27 March 1995 a preliminary hearing of the evidence against LAU, CHEUNG and WAN was scheduled in Perth Court of Petty Sessions. Despite his earlier promise of cooperation, Lau reneged, withdrew all assistance, replaced his legal team with solicitor George Defteros and high profile defence counsel Robert Richter QC, and he indicated he was pleading not guilty at his preliminary hearing. On the first morning of the hearing D/Sgts. Townsend and Smith, interested members of the public and media gathered in the courtroom. Also present were an unidentified middle aged Asian male accompanied by an elderly Asian male. D/Sgt. Townsend spoke to these men and they identified themselves as LAU’s brother in law, Victor WONG and LAU’s elderly father. Both had travelled to Perth from Vancouver for the hearing. About 10 minutes prior

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to the scheduled commencement of the hearing, WONG walked out of the court with LAU’s father, seemingly in a hurry. At the time it appeared obvious that something was wrong, and we ascertained that there was an issue in bringing LAU up from the holding cells into the court room. At the time Mark and Murray were the only AFP members in the court. It was decided Mark would immediately try and see where WONG and LAU’s father had gone. Mark recalls that it was pouring with rain at the time and Murray didn’t want to get wet so remained in the warm, dry court to actually confirm that LAU wasn’t in the holding cells somewhere. 10am came and went. A few minutes later it was announced that LAU could not be located in the court cells. The hearing against CHEUNG and WAN commenced, at the conclusion of which LAU had still not been located but CHEUNG and WAN had been committed for trial. When Mark left court, he was able to locate the pair walking towards the Mall area of the city. It was obvious that WONG was leading the older man but was constantly looking behind him. At that stage Mark didn’t know for sure that LAU had indeed escaped. Having spoken to Mark in the court, WONG knew who Mark was and probably knew he was attempting to follow them. In any event, Mark lost them in the city crowds. The escape of LAU was big news at the time, and WAPOL, which supervised the court cells, provided a demonstration to the media how it was possible to disengage locks in the cell complex with a shoelace. LAU henceforth became popularly known as the ‘Shoelace Escapee’. Investigations revealed that after his escape LAU met with his brother in law, WONG. After WONG and LAU left Perth the hotel where WONG and LAU’s father resided was Quickly identified by the AFP. It was found that the father was still in the hotel room and that WONG and LAU had very recently left the hotel’s car park together in WONG’s hire car. Covert surveillance was conducted on the hotel and at that stage an all-State alert had been issued by WAPOL for the escapee LAU and the car they were travelling in. It was ascertained that WONG drove with LAU in his hire car to the vicinity of Dampier, a north western port at which Chinese ore carriers from Guangzhou regularly called in. WONG returned to the hotel alone after a couple of days. He was taken into custody in his hotel room with the father of LAU, and admitted having driven LAU north, but said that he had dropped him off in Perth when he drove back. Subsequent events proved that this story may have been true. LAU’s father was found not to be criminally involved in his son’s

escape and released. WONG was charged, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting an escapee and served 18 months’ imprisonment before being deported to Canada. (Operation Oden win No. 10) In March 1996 CHEUNG and WAN were tried in the WA Supreme Court and convicted of importing and possessing heroin. They were sentenced to 32 and 28 years imprisonment respectively. D/Sgts. Townsend and Smith visited Cheung in the court cells at the conclusion of the trial to determine whether he wished to speak with police and potentially take advantage of sentence reductions available to him. Murray says, “CHEUNG gave Mark one of the biggest verbal sprays I witnessed in 33 years of policing, while Mark looked at me and said, “I think it’s time to go home and have a beer Muzz”. Turning back to CHEUNG he enquired “do you have any plans for tonight?” Investigations of HO continued, as did the efforts to locate LAU, until on 9 June 1997 RCMP member Mike Hiller was conducting surveillance on an unrelated case in Vancouver when he saw a person, he thought looked familiar drive by his vehicle. He followed this person to a residential address, then immediately reported to the AFP. It turned out that he had identified LAU, who he had never seen before excepting in photos provided by the AFP, in a large city whose population at the time consisted of about 50% ethnic Chinese, while having his mind on a completely different case. An amazingly competent police officer. LAU was arrested on a provisional warrant. (Win no. 11 for Operation Oden.) So began extradition proceedings against LAU that were to continue for the next 10 years. Work continued on the HO aspect of the case. As the number of Mutual Assistance requests mounted and the evidence requested by the AFP expanded, it became apparent that we could not expect the RCMP to undertake all the work for us. In 1997 Murray travelled to Vancouver and spent 5 weeks working with the Department of Justice and the RCMP to gather evidence against HO and have it formalised and sealed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The evidence took the form of 50 sworn affidavits and supporting documentary evidence. Once again it would have been impossible for the AFP to accomplish this without enormous commitment from our partners. We single out DoJ lawyer Deborah Strachan and her paralegal for their patient advice on the Canadian legal system, Judges in the BC Supreme Court in Vancouver and Victoria, and in particular RCMP Officer Mike Hiller. Once the evidence obtained under Mutual Assistance was forwarded to Australia and collated

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into brief form, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, AGD and the AFP decided to commence extradition proceedings against HO. A First Instance Warrant was obtained and forwarded to Canada along with an extradition request. In February 1998 the Canadian Department of Justice requested that the RCMP obtain a provisional warrant for the arrest of HO to enable his extradition to Australia to face a charge of being knowingly concerned in the importation of heroin. On 8 January 1999 D/Sgt. Townsend travelled to Vancouver in order to assist the RCMP with related search warrants and to identify further evidence from the searches that might be useful to the prosecution. Less than 24 hours after his arrival D/Sgt. Townsend was told that HO had flown out to Hong Kong. At this point LAU was vigorously contesting his extradition in Vancouver. D/Sgt. Townsend attended the Supreme Court and was looking for the Clerk of Courts Office when he was accosted by a security guard, who said “I know you, you’re Mark Townsend; I must have seen the video of your interview with LAU at least a dozen times!” He complained that he had sat in the court for hour upon hour watching the tapes of the interview with LAU. There were about 10 hours of monotonous interviewing which must have been as boring as hell. Mark felt sorry for the poor man, but he seemed almost happy to see him and he shook his hand vigorously. Mark had never been to the court before but apparently it was where LAU’s defence team had been arguing appeal case after appeal case against his extradition, citing humanitarian issues. On 5 February 1999 Mike Hiller advised that HO had returned to Vancouver and confirmed with the AFP that his arrest should occur. About 2 days prior to the planned arrest of HO the RCMP was conducting surveillance on an unrelated case, observing a container recently imported from Guangzhou, in which 43kg of heroin had been secreted. Three men of Asian appearance took possession of the heroin and were arrested. One of the three was Tommy HO Kin Chuen. (Win number 12 for Operation Oden). HO was charged with importing and possessing the heroin in Vancouver. A couple of days later the provisional warrant for his extradition to Australia was formally executed on him. Mike and his team also executed search warrants on HO’s residence and a business owned by HO’s brother, and seized further evidence to be used in the brief against HO. The Australian and Canadian proceedings against HO ran in parallel for the next few months. Interestingly, an early argument against HO’s extradition was that the Canadian Extradition Act, which was promulgated

a century earlier, didn’t contemplate the possibility of a person conducting criminal acts in another country without ever having visited that country. In this case HO had committed his crimes over the phone from China and Canada, by directing LAU, FU and the others to meet and distribute the heroin. For once common sense prevailed, and amendments to the act were rushed through parliament in record time, bringing the legislation into line with the modern world. (Win 13 for Operation Oden?) Eventually the Supreme Court decided that they would deal with HO’s Canadian charges first, putting the extradition on hold until HO’s prison sentence if any, expired. HO was tried and convicted and sentenced to a minimum 8 years imprisonment. In 2006 HO was paroled from his prison sentence. He appeared before the court to re-commence the extradition proceedings, and the court inexplicably granted him bail. Why wouldn’t you? He had just completed a sentence for importing 43kg of heroin, was now facing accusations that he trafficked 48kg of heroin to Australia and was known as the transportation organiser for the Big Circle Boys. Surely a prime bail candidate? AFP members and Australian Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions lawyers were apoplectic, but we were reassured that the bail Judge said he couldn’t go anywhere as his name was on the travel alert list. Mike says he still cringes with embarrassment on behalf of his country; however we are all well aware that on occasion police views and court decisions in any jurisdiction sometimes don’t marry up. That was the last time HO was ever seen in Canada. (Loss number 1 for Operation Oden.) LAU’s seemingly endless appeal process rolled on over the next 8 years. Finally, in 2007 the AFP was notified that LAU had exhausted all avenues of appeal and was now ready to be transported back to Australia. D/Sgts. Townsend and Smith made the gruelling trip from Perth to Sydney, to San Francisco, to Vancouver. It’s not much fun these days back in cattle class! They were greeted on arrival by Mike Hiller, who told them that lawyers had discovered one last avenue of appeal, and the matter was on hold again. They were not happy campers! In the event the court immediately denied leave to appeal, and they were back on again. LAU then undertook the long journey back to Perth with Townsend and Smith. On arrival back in Perth LAU agreed to talk to Townsend and Smith about his escape. He stated that he was aware that Tommy HO was attempting to free him from prison and was offering a large sum of money to anyone that could facilitate that.

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He said that on the morning of his preliminary hearing he was taken from his cell by a police officer who he was able to describe in detail. The officer escorted LAU in the lifts to the front of the court building, placed a note with a phone number in his hand and told him to be on his way. Supreme Court Chief Justice McKechnie referred to these events in his eventual sentencing of LAU. The matter was referred by the AFP to the WA Crime and Corruption Commission, however the CCC was unable to gather enough evidence for a prosecution. LAU then saw his brother in law in his hire car, and they drove to a spot between Karratha and Roebourne before turning back. He wouldn’t say why he went there, but we suspect it was to hitch a lift on a bulk carrier, and the skipper probably refused. On his return to Perth he rang the phone number provided, which belonged to a senior Chinese organised crime figure. He was put up by this person, and a short time later took a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, presumably on a false passport, although again he wouldn’t say. LAU finally had his day in the WA Supreme Court, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. He later attempted to serve the final part of his sentence in Canada under the prisoner exchange scheme, however the application was refused by the Canadian Government on the grounds that it was almost certain that he would re‑offend when released. (Win number 14 for Operation Oden).

Police careers – where are they now MARK TOWNSEND Mark retired from the AFP in 2012 after 33 years’ service. He initially started in Melbourne Office in 1979 and worked primarily in investigations areas including attachments to a number of taxation task forces for several years, including ‘Bottom of the Harbour’ type investigations with CDPP. He was also attached to a joint task force with VICPOL related to drug investigations and was also later attached to the National Crime Authority for a number of years. He was designated detective in 1984 and promoted to Sergeant in 1987. Mark has carried out investigative roles attached to The UN in East Timor, attached for 3 years to RAMSI in the Solomon Islands and also spent 3 years attached to ASIC when it initially commenced in Perth, WA. Since leaving the AFP Mark has been involved with the Cambodian Child Protection Unit as a Technical Advisor. This role principally involves assisting in the training of Cambodian Police in Crime Scene preservation. Mark has travelled extensively in retirement.

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MURRAY SMITH Murray had an exemplary 33 year career with the AFP, joining in 1983 and retiring in 2016. Murray has been involved in the investigation of transnational crimes including drug trafficking, counter terrorism and money laundering for all of his career. Murray was a visionary in terms of ‘chasing the money’ to find the criminal activity many years before what has become routine investigative and intelligence practice. In the latter years he founded and led Operation Zanella, a national and international operation of chasing the money and became an expert in the tactic of Cuckoo Smurfing. Murray has also served in a variety of positions overseas including that as Forward Commander in the AFP response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2005, the second Bali Bombings, the Jakarta Operations Centre and service in East Timor on two occasions. He rounded out his career with a posting as Liaison Officer in Phnom Penh and following this posting retired and now lives in Cambodia.

REECE KERSHAW (COMMISSIONER, AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE) I was pleased to have made a contribution to the outcomes of this investigation in the early stages of my police career as a Detective Constable. Equally I am now also grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism and the outstanding outcomes of Operation Oden. As you would have read, the investigation played out over a decade across three continents and is a testament to outstanding law enforcement cooperation across domestic and International policing agencies as well as the respective law departments of Canada and Australia. In particular, making inroads into the upper echelon of syndicate members was reflective of the doggedness and skills of the investigators. I congratulate and salute the achievements of both Mark and Murray over their extended policing careers.

RCMP OFFICER MIKE HILLER Staff Sergeant Mike Hiller retired from the RCMP in 2008 after a distinguished 28 year career. He commenced his service in Nelson, British Columbia in uniformed General Duties. He later performed plain clothes investigative roles for several years before transferring in 1988 to the Vancouver Drug Section, where he spent the next 13 years principally investigating large scale drug trafficking by Asian organised crime syndicates. In 2001 he took up a posting as the Sergeant in charge of the Vancouver Criminal Intelligence Section, Asian Probe Team. Mike’s career culminated with a posting as the RCMP Liaison Officer in Bangkok. He was regarded within the RCMP as an expert on wiretaps (a process that is much more complex in Canada than we are used to in Australia). One of his many strengths is cultivating professional and personal relationships, and through years of outstanding contributions to international law enforcement he has fostered enduring friendships with members of the AFP, FBI, US DEA and many other agencies. In latter years Mike has worked in roles oversighting casino security and compliance in British Columbia. Although now retired, as recently as November 2020 Mike provided lengthy testimony to the Cullen Commission, an enquiry into money laundering in British Columbia.

I can say that I was fortunate to be involved in this operation where a significant transnational crime syndicate was eliminated. I also encourage other former members to proudly recall and articulate significant and interesting investigations. I am also pleased to hear that Mark and Murray are enjoying their well-earned retirements.

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UN brings Cyprus leaders together, mulling future talks on divided island For our Cyprus Vets From the UN News Web (4 November 2020) The leaders of the divided island of Cyprus have met in the capital Nicosia, in an encounter convened by the United Nations, the Secretary-General’s Good Offices Mission in Cyprus said on Tuesday. The meeting is the first between the Greek Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, since the latter assumed his post following elections last month. Both representatives had “expressed their determination to positively respond to the UN Secretary-General’s commitment” to convene fresh talks about the island, “at an appropriate stage”, the UN statement said, describing their meeting as “cordial” and “informal”. Under the auspices of the Special Representative and Deputy Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Elizabeth Spehar, agreement was also reached that any such future UN-led discussions would follow the “five-plus-United Nations” format, shorthand for representation featuring Cyprus’s two communities, along with guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

INTERNATIONAL OPTICS UN chief António Guterres met Mr. Anastasiades and the then Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı, in Berlin 12 months ago, in talks facilitated by the German Government. Following that informal encounter, Mr. Guterres indicated that both men had reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a settlement that would ensure a peaceful future for the island, as laid out in the 2014 Joint Declaration on Cyprus. In the opening lines of that text, both leaders were in agreement that “the status quo is unacceptable” and that prolonging it “will have negative consequences for the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots”. They also expressed their “determination to resume structured negotiations in a results-oriented manner,

Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, hosts the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Ersin Tatar, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, for their first informal meeting as the leaders of the Greek Cypriot & the Turkish Cypriot communities.

with the aim of aim reaching a settlement “as soon as possible”, which would be followed by “separate simultaneous referenda”. Talks were last held in Switzerland in 2017 on the future of the island, which has been divided since 1974. Those discussions centered around six main issues, including security and guarantees, new territorial boundaries and power-sharing, but talks stalled after a week.

True Blue December 2020

Varosha North Cyprus to reopen beach of forbidden ghost resort city after 46 years Northern Cyprus has said it will reopen the beach area of an abandoned resort in no-man’s land, a move condemned by Greek Cypriots and likely to conjure up memories of the 1974 Turkish invasion that partitioned the island. Ersin Tatar, premier of the breakaway state of Northern Cyprus, made the announcement in Ankara alongside Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who said he backed the decision on Varosha, sealed off within barbed wire for decades.

Famagusta beach and the abandoned southern quarter of the Cypriot city.

The move could weigh on Turkey’s dispute with European Union members Cyprus and Greece over territorial rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Tensions had eased after Ankara and Athens agreed to resume talks, but Cyprus, a close ally of the Greece, promptly condemned the move to partially reopen the abandoned resort and said it would file a recourse to the United Nations Security Council. Greece also criticised the move, and said it would support Cyprus. “God willing, we will start to use the Maras beach on Thursday morning together with our people,” Tatar said, using Varosha’s Turkish name. Northern Cyprus is only recognised as a state by Turkey. Sources in Cyprus said the plan was to open up about 1.5 km of beachfront to the public and not the approximately 6 square km inland that includes abandoned hotels and residences which its population of 39,000 people fled in 1974 during a Turkish invasion following a Greek inspired coup.

Presently, about 200 metres of it is accessible to the public under the towering shadow of a hotel and a three-storey resort bombed during the war and left rotting since then. The rest of it is fenced off by rusting barbed wire which extends into the sea, guarded by Turkish soldiers. Nicosia had already been in touch with the governments of the five permanent members of the Security Council in the hours leading up to the announcement, people with knowledge of the matter said.

“We hope that the whole of Maras is opened to use after ongoing work is completed by respecting property rights,” Erdogan said, pledging support for Turkish Cypriot officials.

Tatar had signalled steps to reopen Varosha in August, saying a revival of the area, which contains derelict hotels, churches and residences, would bring trade and tourism benefits.

Nicos Anastasiades, president of Cyprus’s internationally-recognised government – and who as recently as last week was involved in a tense stand-off with his EU peers for his push for sanctions on Turkey, said: “this is an exceptionally unacceptable situation.”

Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Northern Cyprus on Sunday, with Tatar a candidate.

Varosha is a suburb of the larger city of Famagusta, which, in Greek – Ammochostos – means “buried in sand”. It has a pristine coastline of thick golden sand, most of it in the now out-of-bounds Varosha quarter.

Several peacemaking efforts have made no significant progress and the discovery of offshore energy resources has complicated efforts to resolve the island’s partition.

Varosha has been off limits along ceasefire lines to all but the Turkish military since 1974 and has stood as a bargaining chip in the decades-long dispute between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Conference r e y ra P & g n The Fasti . includes meals

A BIT OF HUMOUR

The sermon this mor ning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water. ‘The sermon tonight: ‘Searching fo r Jesus.’

Many thanks to Hewan O’Neill (and his somewhat warped sense of humour) for the following light-hearted contribution.

forget the Ladies, don’t to It’s a chance . le a s e g a m rum rth hings not wo t e s o h t f o get rid d the house. n u o r a g in p kee usbands. Bring your h

Church Ladies With Typewriters They’re Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for the church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced at church services:

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door.

Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. Scouts are sa ving aluminu m cans, bottles and other ite ms to be recycled Proceeds wil l be used to cripple ch ildren.

For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursd ay there will be tryouts for the choir. They n eed all the help the y can get.

ssie Carter Irving Benson and Je ober 24 in were married on Oct a friendship the church. So ends hool days. that began in their sc A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music w ill follow. e tonight, At the evening servic be the sermon topic will early and ‘What Is Hell?’ Come actice. listen to our choir pr

Eight new ch oir robes are currently ne eded due to the addition of s everal new m e mbers and to the d eterioration of some older ones.

in our donation y e c la p e s a le P e along with th e p lo e v n e e th n you want o rs e p d e s a e c de remembered.

The church w ill host an evening of fi ne dining, su per entertainme nt and gracio us hostility.

ay at Pot-luck supper Sund medication 5:00pm – prayer and to follow.

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help. rch have The ladies of the Chu ery cast off clothing of ev en in the kind. They may be se afternoon. basement on Friday This evening at 7pm there will be a hymn sing ing in the pa rk across from the Ch urch. Bring a blanket and come pr epared to sin .

preciate it The pastor would ap ongregation if the ladies of the C r electric would lend him thei e breakfast girdles for the pancak next Sunday.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Haml et in the Church basement Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. t at Weight Watchers will mee rian 7 PM at the First Presbyte double Church. Please use large . door at the side entrance The Associate Minister unv eiled the church’s new campaig n slogan last S unday: ‘I Upp ed My Pledge – Up Yours.’

True Blue December 2020

2020 UNOPAA Annual General Meeting The 2020 Annual General Meeting of UNOPAA was held at the Police Federation of Australia (PFA) Boardroom in Canberra on 22 October 2020. Due to COVID-19, attendance was restricted to teleconference only. The following is a summary of the outcomes and matters discussed: PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mick Travers provided an overview of UNOPAA’s activities since the last AGM. Highlights have included: • The Caloundra Reunion on 20 – 24 October 2019 • The re-dedication of Ian Ward’s Memorial in Cyprus, which he attended with Ian’s two sisters in November 2019 • The passing of two stalwarts, Robert (Doc) Gillespie from the 1st Contingent to Cyprus, and Geoff Parker, our SA Branch Secretary • Planning towards the next UNOPAA Reunion and Conference on Norfolk Island in October 2021. Mick also spoke of the challenges we’ve all faced over the past 12 months, be it drought, flood, fire and more recently COVID-19. All have had an impact on our members and he was concerned that we keep in contact and support them where needed. Anzac Day was not commemorated in the usual way but ceremonies had been possible in Canberra on UN Peacekeepers Day in May and UN Day in September. Mick also thanked the UNOPAA Executive for their support, and particularly Rod Walker as Editor in True Blue and Shaun Young as our Victorian/ Tasmanian State President.

ELECTION OF OFFICER BEARERS The National Executive was returned unopposed, that is: • President – Mick Travers • Vice Presidents – Dale Cooper & Rod Walker • Secretary/Treasurer – Peter McDonald Mark Elm will continue as National Research Officer, and in keeping with usual practice our National Committee will comprise the National Executive and each of our State/Territory Presidents.

FINANCIAL REPORT In 2019-20, UNOPAA had income of $13,861 (due mainly to membership fees and income from the production of True Blue) and expenditure of $8,495, resulting in a profit of $5,366. This was a good result.

Our total assets, including merchandising stock and a term deposit, were $39,723 at year’s end. A summary of the financial report will be submitted to the NSW Office of Fair Trading in accordance with our statutory obligations as an incorporated association.

RECOGNITION & AWARDS COMMITTEE (RAC) Dale Cooper provided an update on its work on behalf of the Committee. In April 2020, it submitted a report to the National Executive which resulted in a letter being sent to the Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia, requesting that consideration be given to the award of the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM) to all Australian Police who had served in East Timor/Timor-Leste from 1999 until the present day (at present, the award has only been made to those who served from 2006 onwards). A response has yet to be received. In addition, the RAC had been asked to advise on the award of Life and Honorary Memberships as part of an extended remit. Mick Travers also advised that the AFP had commenced an internal project looking at bravery awards for UNAMET personnel (that is, police deployed to East Timor during the lead up and conduct of the independence vote from June to September 1999). Rod Walker was assisting on a parttime basis and it was hoped the review would then move on to other missions when its initial work was complete.

AMENDMENTS TO THE UNOPAA CONSTITUTION Eligibility Criteria for Membership of UNOPAA Peter McDonald advised that, following the Caloundra AGM, a sub-committee had been formed to consider possible changes to the UNOPAA Constitution to extend the membership eligibility criteria. An options paper had been distributed to the National Committee, and two options were then distributed to

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financial members in early October. The first, option 1, was to retain the status quo. The second, option 2, was to extend membership to a broad range of additional groups as listed in the distributed document. He advised that 71% of the financial members who responded had voted for Option 2. As a result, he put forward a proposal which was then approved at the AGM. Clause 3 of the Constitution has been amended to read: (2) Membership of the association shall be open to: (a) any serving, retired or former police officer or employee of an Australian Police Force or Service who has served or is serving overseas on a United Nations or Australian Government mandated peacekeeping, humanitarian or capacity building mission, or who has otherwise deployed overseas as a police officer or employee in an investigative, emergency response, training, liaison or support role; and (b) any person who is an adult family member of a person who served or deployed in any of the capacities in (a) above. (3) A person who does not meet the criteria in subclause (2) may be admitted to membership of the association as an associate member. (4) Associate members and those awarded honorary membership under Clause 4 are not eligible for election to the National Committee or to the National Executive and do not have a right to vote in the affairs of the association.

Sub-Branches & Sub-Committees

ACTIVITIES OF THE STATE/TERRITORY BRANCHES Each of the State/Territory Presidents present spoke of the activities undertaken over the past 12 months in their jurisdiction. Allan Mitchell (NT) spoke of the events that had been conducted in Darwin. John (Whiskey) Walker (QLD) gave a final update on the Caloundra Reunion and especially thanked Mick Travers and Peter McDonald for their support and assistance. Shaun Young (VIC) advised that due to COVID-19, he had been unable to conduct a State Branch AGM, but hoped to do so in December or January. He was maintaining oversight of Tasmania and would continue to do so in the absence of local interest in a separate branch.

OTHER MATTERS Norfolk Island Reunion 2021 Dale Cooper provided an update on arrangements for the proposed Norfolk Island Reunion in October 2021. The COVID-19 situation in Australia was improving and he was confident it would go ahead. In any event, we were working with the Norfolk Island travel agent to ensure that, should the situation change, any deposits would not be lost. To date, 54 persons have expressed an interest in attending. Anyone else who is interested, but has not yet expressed interest, should do so by emailing Dale at unopaa@gmail.com or contacting him by phone (0418 266 033).

Perter McDonald also advised that he has been approached on a number of occasions about the status of our State and Territory Branches, and how they related to UNOPAA nationally. As a result, he was proposing amendments to the constitution to formalise this relationship and also to clarify the status of committees such as the RAC.

Full details of the reunion arrangements, including booking details and cost, will be published in the December 2020 Edition of True Blue.

These were considered by the AGM and approved as amendments to Clause 14 as follows:

He also advised that he was considering a section where members could seek the whereabouts of any colleagues they had lost track of, but wished to contact. Requests should be submitted to enidandrod@tpg.com.au

(2) Without limiting sub-clause (1), the National Committee may approve:

TRUE BLUE “WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” Rod Walker, as Editor of True Blue, advised that he is seeking articles from members for the next True Blue.

(a) the creation and operation of sub-branches, and (b) the establishment of sub-committees for the effective operation of the association. (3) Sub-branches may adopt the constitution and rules of the association or establish their own constitution, by-laws or rules which are not inconsistent with those of the association. The terms “sub-branch” and “sub-committee” have been used to meet constitutional requirements, however “branch” and “committee” will continue to be used for UNOPAA purposes.

True Blue December 2020

‘Options’ Paper The below ‘Options’ Paper was circulated (via email) to all financial members of the UNOPAA in September to enable them to ‘have their say’ on membership eligibility. UNOPAA members were requested to vote (via return email) on their preference for membership eligibility against the three options provided. Please see the article on the outcomes of the UNOPAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the result of the ballot.

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF UNOPAA

Following discussion at our 2019 Annual General Meeting in Caloundra, a proposal to extend the eligibility criteria for membership of UNOPAA has been developed and is being submitted to all financial members for consideration.

Our Current Membership Criteria Part 2 of the UNOPAA Constitution provides that a person is eligible to be a member of UNOPAA if: • they are a natural person; and • meet the rules on eligibility for membership approved by the National Committee. The Introduction to the constitution states that UNOPAA is an incorporated, non profit organisation whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Australian Federal, State and Territory Police Forces who have served with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces and other Overseas Police missions and operations throughout the world. While no eligibility rules have been set by the National Committee, it has been a long-standing practice to apply a criteria linked to the Police Overseas Service Medal (which requires service on mission of at least 90 days) or other approved service of a similar nature. Widows and family of deceased veterans are also eligible for full membership, and a number of others who have served on humanitarian missions have been admitted as associate members. Associate membership is not mentioned in the constitution, the existing classes being (full) membership, life membership and honorary membership.

Issues While the existing criteria covers most membership applications, there have been suggestions to extend it to: • police personnel who have served overseas on Australian Government sanctioned humanitarian missions, usually recognised by the award of a Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM). Examples include the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake and the Australian government response to the downing of Malaysian Airline Flight 17 over the Ukraine in 2014. • A HOSM is awarded to recognize people who have given humanitarian service in hazardous circumstances outside Australia. Eligibility for the HOSM usually involves service on mission, depending on its nature, of 7, 14 or 30 days. • police personnel who have deployed in Australian mandated overseas investigations or emergency management, including disaster victim identification. For example, to the 2002 Bali bombings, or to the 2004 tsunami in Thailand. • police personnel who have served in overseas peacekeeping with the Australian Defence Force, either prior to or since joining an Australian police force. For example, Timor Leste with the regular or army reserve. • police who, through their skills as police officers, have worked overseas as Australian police or have been been engaged to work with the United Nations or another international body while on secondment or on leave of absence. For example, on war crimes tribunals or other international investigatory bodies or inquiries. • relatives and family of deceased eligible members, for any of the above.

True Blue December 2020

The expression “police personnel” has been used where relevant to indicate that unsworn staff within police forces might also be included. For example, civilian scientists, fingerprint experts or administrative staff deployed in support roles to sworn police (some have been awarded HOSMs for this service, whilst others have been awarded POSMs).

Considerations Determining whether to extend UNOPAA’s membership depends a lot on one’s view. Should membership be restricted to those who served as peacekeepers/capacity builders, or should our association open itself up to new categories, and therefore new members? Should we adopt a strict or liberal interpretation of what is meant by “overseas policing” in our title? And would that devalue our emphasis on service with the United Nations, which is most treasured and where the bulk of our membership lies, or is there an over emphasis on the United Nations to the longterm membership detriment of our Association? UNOPAA has an ageing membership that is not (despite the good efforts of our State/Territory Branches) being taken up by younger people who have served with the UN and particularly not by those who served through the International Deployment Group (IDG).

A further consideration is the length of time an eligible member should have served overseas. The POSM is awarded for 90 days, whereas 7 days can make one eligible for a HOSM. Should we be careful not to link our criteria too closely to those awards, as they are subject to approvals and processes outside of our control? Should unsworn police staff be included (even if they have a POSM earned as part of RAMSI or in PNG), and should overseas service be only in a “policing” role and not peacekeeping service with the military? Ultimately, it is a matter for our membership, therefore two options are put forward for consideration:

Option 1 – Maintain the Status Quo That is, leave the membership criteria as it’s currently being applied, with room for the National Committee to approve new or additional rules, as they see fit, in accordance with the UNOPAA Constitution.

Option 2 – Extend our Membership Criteria That is, open our membership to include the additional categories. This would be subject to a minimum deployment period and the formal introduction of an “associate membership” class for others who wish to become involved. Associate and honorary members would not have voting rights. Ordinary and life members would have.

True Blue December 2020

AFPFMA calls on Government to adopt the term ‘police veteran’ for former police The Australian Federal Police Former Members Association (AFPFMA) has called on the Government to start using the term ‘police veteran’ when referring to former police. “At the outset, the AFPFMA would like to make clear our agenda in pursuing the use of the term ‘police veteran’ is not an attempt to dislodge, devalue or usurp the standing of Defence veterans; far from it. Rather, our advocacy is about recognising the service elements of the policing profession and using language that describes the ongoing impacts of such service,” said Mike Doroshenko, President of the AFPFMA. Each shift is more challenging than it once was, if for no other reason than the expectation on police to be more accountable. The police experience starts when they leave their home and families to start their shift; we police the community we live in. A typical day ‘on the job’ can involve incident response, dealing with violent offenders, being assaulted, witnessing severe trauma, deaths, crime scene examinations, searches, arrests, victim and family support, suspect interviews, media management, evidence examination, coronial inquests, court hearings and trials, victims of crime support and pre- sentence interviews with offenders. “The frequency of ‘critical incidents’ is much greater than that found in the ADF and police can’t be removed from the ‘theatre of operation’; it is where we and our families live. We are veterans in the true sense of the word,” said Mike. The community is now more aware of the link between the ‘normal police’ experiences and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Police must note and recall over time, finite details of what they see, hear, smell and experience, often when other members of the community actively try to forget such experiences. Police are veterans of their experiences, and many former police suffer enduring mental health challenges, with little to no support. It is our strong belief that ‘veteran’ reflects properly the experiences police have during their service life. For the AFP, these experiences occur domestically and overseas. Some Australian communities have for a while now, quite willingly accepted their

senior State officials using the term ‘veteran‘ when referringtoformerpoliceofficers.It is our strong view and that of our membership that this acceptance represents the broad collective acknowledgement and recognition of the contemporary challenges facing former police in Australia. The AFPFMA long-term goal is prolonging the active healthy life of AFP Veterans. The current average age of death of former AFP Veterans, since 1979 is a staggering 62.25 years of age, well below the national average.A crucial first step in that journey of recovery is having those who are able to influence public opinion, referring to former police as ‘police veterans’. “In this regard, the AFPFMA hope that we can count on the Government to start using ‘police veteran’ when referring to formerpolice.”

BACKGROUND The Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc.(AFPFMA) was formed on 13 December 2018 and are the only organisation with an elected body representing former sworn and unsworn members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Our members have dedicated their careers to serve the Australian community and to keep it safe andsecure. For more information, visit our website www.afpfma. org.au or contact: Mike Doroshenko President Australian Federal Police Former Members Association Inc. PO Box 9603 DEAKIN ACT 2600 Email: mike@afpfma.orgPhone: 0468 368 864

True Blue December 2020

Productivity Commission Report Update In October 2020, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs tabled an Interim Government Response to the Report of the Productivity Commission A Better Way to Support Veterans. The Productivity Commission report was released in June 2019 and made the following recommendations of interest to UNOPAA: • That limits be placed on future eligibility for Veterans Affairs Gold Cards and it not be extended to any new categories of veterans, dependants or other civilians who are not currently eligible for such a card (Recommendations 16.4 and 16.5); and • That the Government rationalise the schemes for veterans support into two – one being the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986 with some modifications (scheme 1) and the second, a modified Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) incorporating the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act (DRCA) (scheme 2) (Recommendation 19.1). Only veterans with a current or accepted VEA claim for liability at the implementation date would be eligible for scheme 1. All other veterans would transition to scheme 2. However, the Productivity Commission stated, at page 831 of their full report, that: “There would be one exception to this. As noted by the United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia, police peacekeepers have access under the VEA, but not under the MRCA or DRCA. That means police peacekeepers who have not yet made a claim would retain their eligibility to make a claim under the VEA if they were previously eligible to do so.” In their Interim Response, the Government indicated they would not be implementing Recommendations 16.4 and 16.5. That is, the proposed limitations on

“Many Australian Police who served on overseas peacekeeping missions are entitled to benefits and treatment under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act.”

future eligibility for the Gold Card would not be adopted, nor the restrictions on its extension to new groups. However, Recommendation 19.1 was not addressed. Many Australian Police who served on overseas peacekeeping missions are entitled to benefits and treatment under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act. Information from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, received in August 2020, indicates that 138 police veterans now have Gold or White Cards under the DEA. The most commonly accepted disabilities among police with eligible VEA service are similar to those of the military who have also served overseas. UNOPAA is concerned that any members with entitlements under the VEA who have not yet lodged a claim are not disadvantaged. We have therefore written to the Minister asking for advice on the government’s position in relation to Recommendation 19.1,and are awaiting a response.

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Australian Police Statistics 17 August 2020 Response for Mr Peter McDonald National Secretary, United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA) Response prepared by Kate Tunks, Data Products (kate.tunks2@dva.gov.au) Cleared by Dr Paul Nicolarakis, Assistant Secretary (Chief Data Officer), Data and Insights Branch Response: Dear Mr McDonald, Thank you for contacting us to request details of the number of Australian Police who served overseas on United Nations and other overseas peacekeeping and capacity building missions, along with their accepted conditions. We understand that this request has been made to support the work of the members of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australian (UNOPAA). It is with regret that I inform you that due to the way in which this information is recorded, we cannot achieve the breakdown in number that you are seeking. We can only identify eligible civilians with one or more accepted disabilities attributed to operations in which Police were involved. While activity in Cyprus, Solomon Islands and East Timor comprise the bulk of these numbers, Cambodia, Mozambique and Sudan are also included although in very low numbers. Unfortunately, we cannot determine whether there are any eligible civilians that were involved in any of these operational areas who are non-police personnel. There is a risk that they may be included in the data*. It would be greatly appreciated if you keep these caveats in mind when reviewing the data attached. Thank you for your commitment to acknowledging and commemorating the service and sacrifice ofÂ Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peacekeeping community. Yours sincerely, Kate Tunks

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • DVA publishes a range of data and statistics, accessed via https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/ statistics-about-veteran-population. Additional information is also available in the Annual Reports, accessed via https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/ accountability-and-reporting/annual-reports/ annual-reports-2018-19.

• If you have questions regarding this data, please email the team at statistical.services@dva.gov.au, quoting the data request number listed at the top of this document. *Please note that the following data is indicative only and is presented in the context of the caveats and explanatory notes outlined at page one (1).

Police with one or more disabilities accepted under the VEA

Most commonly accepted disabilities among police with eligible VEA service

By Age Group

SOP2

SOP Description

E003

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

F001

Sensori-Neural Hearing Loss

F034

Tinnitus

E025

Alcohol Dependence or Alcohol Abuse

40 – 49

50 – 59

60 – 69

70 – 79

80 and over

By Disability Pension Rate Zero DP

10 to 45% General Rate

E001

Depressive Disorders

50 to 95% General Rate

N002

Osteoarthritis

100% General Rate

N004

Lumbar Spondylosis

Extreme Disablement Adjustment

M011

Solar Keratosis

Intermediate Rate

B046

Non-Melanotic Neoplasm of the Skin

G009

Hypertension

Special Rate

By Treatment Card Type

Count of Disabilities3

Gold Card

G006

Ischaemic Heart Disease

White Card

N003

Cervical Spondylosis

K010

Erectile Dysfunction

J002

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux

J010

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)

2 3

Statement of Principles. May include accepted disabilities of persons now deceased.

True Blue December 2020

AFP Women, Police and Peace virtual exhibition The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are proud to announce the AFP Women, Police and Peace virtual exhibition in commemoration of the 20th anniversary today of the adoption of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325, “Women, Peace, and Security”. The virtual exhibition is a pictorial retrospective highlighting the critical role of women in policing, focusing on female AFP members’ experiences. The exhibition provides a narrative on the evolution of the role of women in the AFP, including their contribution to peacekeeping and peacebuilding in conflict and post-conflict settings via UN Missions and Regional Assistance Missions. The exhibition highlights the journey of women within the AFP, and demonstrates the transformation of women in law enforcement roles, starting with the first female Peace Officers in 1942.

“The AFP continues to work hard to achieve gender equality, and acknowledges that women have been full, active and effective members of the AFP since its inception.”

During World War II, with an obvious shortage of men, it was decided to use women as Peace Officers to guard various Commonwealth buildings, although they were only paid 60 % of their male counterpart’s wage.

in policing on the world stage and demonstrate the AFP’s mission to be a world leading police service in the practice of gender mainstreaming, building gender capability and the prevention of genderbased crime wherever the AFP operates.

In 1988, the first Australian female Police Officer was deployed to a UN Peacekeeping Mission. Kathy Burdett was deployed to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus – 32-years after the first contingent of Australian Police arrived. The AFP continues to work hard to achieve gender equality, and acknowledges that women have been full, active and effective members of the AFP since its inception.

“It is a privilege to represent the AFP in New York and at the UN, and never more so than when being able to launch an exhibit like this – showing the proud history of the AFP, its commitment to service, its contribution to policing and peacekeeping, and its ongoing pursuit of diversity and inclusiveness to ensure it represents all Australians. It is an ethos and contribution of which all Australians can be justly proud,” Ms Adams said.

Phillipa Adams, representing the AFP at the Australian Mission to the UN in New York, said the exhibition is intended to highlight the achievements of woman

The exhibition can be viewed on the AFP Women, Police and Peace page (www.afp.gov.au/ womenpolicepeace)

True Blue December 2020

Can You Assist? The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has endorsed a project to document the history of AFP Uniform and Insignia.

Eric Grimm (Retired AFP Superintendent and AFP Former Members Association (AFPFMA) Member) will manage the project with support and internal coordination provided by the AFP Museum. The project aims to develop a comprehensive, researched and referenced publication with images, details and background of AFP Uniform and Insignia from AFP foundation (19 October 1979) to the present, with a commitment to publishing of future addendums. The project will consult with various stakeholders including United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA) during research and validation of information. At this stage the scope of the project includes uniforms, badges, patches, hats/caps and rank insignia. Social items will likely also be within scope of the project, along with PPE (Clothing including vests and jackets). Other items such as corporate branding items, challenge coins and ‘fantasy’ items may be developed as a separate addendum, perhaps at a later stage. The document will include items from ACT Policing, International Operations (including United Nations and other missions), Protection Operations (AFP Protective Service and VIPP Protection), Specialist areas, state offices, ceremonial uniform, unsworn uniform and others. It will include descriptions and details of items and where possible a narrative or story of their use and media or journal articles (in part or referenced).

HOW CAN UNOPAA MEMBERS ASSIST? • Email eric-grimm@grapevine.com.au with images, descriptions and any background of the uniform or insignia item and stories which can be used in the narrative of the publication. • Loan items which may be more difficult to photograph, so I can organise for their professional photography. • Provide responses to questions posed through UNOPAA in relation to research conducted needing validation. • Send links to media, articles or posts which would be of interest for use in the publication. To maintain consistency of images, good quality (300 dpi+) colour scans of insignia (whether on or off uniform) and high-resolution photographs of uniforms / hats / caps with a neutral (white preferred) background. Guidance can be provided prior to photography if required. It is hoped that UNOPAA members with an interest in AFP items will assist with validation of the information collected to ensure items are accurately categorised and described (i.e. official, social, fantasy, era, areas used, etc.). The AFP Executive have indicated the importance of collection, research and preservation of the AFP’s history and have acknowledged the valuable contribution former and retired members and other organisations can provide to ensuring this occurs, so I encourage you to support this project. Credit will be provided to members for their contribution where requested. If you have any suggestions or questions, please email me at eric-grimm@grapevine.com.au

True Blue December 2020

Your UNOPAA 2021 Norfolk Island Conference Travel Packages are ready to go! 18 – 26 October 2021

The UNOPPA Committee and conference organisers have arranged for travel packages inclusive of all conference activities that are now ready and available for booking. The venue for the conference is the Paradise Hotel on Norfolk Island and the hotel is also our chosen accommodation for the week. Travel Packages are for 7 nights and available departing Sydney or Brisbane. There are four standards of room available at Paradise Hotel so depending on your choice there are slight price variations, but packages start at $2,119pp twin share from Sydney and $2,169pp twin share from Brisbane. This price includes: • Return ‘seat and bag’ airfare to Norfolk Island ex Sydney or Brisbane • All pre-paid airline taxes • Meet & Greet at Norfolk Island Airport • Return airport transfers on Norfolk Island • Seven night’s accommodation • Seven days car hire per room (includes hire car surcharges, petrol is extra) • Daily fully cooked breakfast • Island Fish Fry Welcome Dinner at ‘Orn Daa Cliff’ including 2 course buffet, entertainment and transfers • Half Day Island Orientation tour • UNOPAA 2021 AGM at Paradise Hotel: for those attending, tea and coffee included

• Dinner at the Norfolk Island RSL including entertainment, buffet dinner and transfers. Drinks at own expense. • Reception at Government House by the Administrator of Norfolk Island (TBC) (self drive) • UNOPAA Formal Black Tie Dinner at Paradise Hotel including 3 course dinner with wine, beer and port for toasts • UN Day Parade to Cenotaph (UNOPAA members) followed by All Saints Church Service and sausage sizzle at Kingston, including transfers • Free bonus gift redeemable at The Bounty Centre • Discount Norfolk Shopping Card

DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK NOW! To manage each member’s bookings the Norfolk Island Travel Centre has appointed Christan Davies as the dedicated travel consultant for the Conference. Contact Christan at christan@travelcentre.nf or on free call 1800 1400 66. When you make your first contact with Christan she will send you an Information Pack with everything you need to know to make your booking. There are some options for you to eg: upgrade your airfare to include a meal on the flight, take out insurance and also book in to do some tours during the week. A description of optional tours is described further in this article.

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The Paradise Hotel and Resort

The Paradise Hotel and Resort is set amongst beautifully landscaped grounds, close to all the islands attractions. This property provides numerous facilities including: a swimming pool, cocktail lounge, licensed restaurant, lobby shop and postal service. The Paradise also has a few designated â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Single Economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rooms. These rooms are smaller than their standard rooms. Fitted with own ensuite, TV, tea & coffee facilities, these rooms are designed for the single traveller.

Economy single room.

Garden room.

Superior Hotel Room.

Executive Hotel Room (only 1avaialble).

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A week of fun and relaxation on stunning Norfolk Island Included in your package cost is a Half day Tour and Island Fish Fry: HALF DAY ISLAND TOUR An orientation tour with a friendly local guide which will introduce you to Norfolk’s history, culture and geology, while pointing out key sites to revisit and some handy local tips for your stay.

WELCOME DINNER FISH FRY AT ORN DAA CLIFF Enjoy a feast of Island dishes, salads, homemade bread and fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts and tea/coffee. Enjoy the Tahitian dancers and songs by a Pitcairn Islander on Norfolk’s beautiful, western coastline.

There is also a choice of optional tours and experiences you can enjoy as part of the UNOPAA conference: GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR

FARM AND INDUSTRY TOUR

Our two Norfolk Islander’s, Donald and George, will share their knowledge of Norfolk’s unique marine life. Once you’ve ‘walked the plank’ with these ‘mutineer descendants’ it takes 60 seconds (yes one minute!) to be at the reef. View beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon. Donald & Les provide full interesting commentary on this environmental tour. With these two, be prepared for a touch of Norfolk humour!

Whilst tourism is Norfolk’s largest industry, it is by no means its only one. On this tour, we take you on a selection of the many other enterprises that sustain our community. These might include: raising meat producing sheep, market gardening, pig farming, manufacturing soft drinks and liqueurs, gardening or exporting Kentia seedlings

COLLEEN MCCULLOUGH HOME TOUR Colleen McCullough, world-renowned author of 24 books called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. She and husband, Norfolk Islander, Ric Robinson, created a luxurious hideaway and maintained their privacy to ensure that Colleen had the perfect environment for her writing. Some of her most powerful titles were created in this much-loved sanctuary.

CONVICT SETTLEMENT TOUR Join an ‘In Depth’ tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery & hear the history of interesting convict & colonial headstones, hear stories of the houses along Quality Row. Walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill.

ISLAND ADVENTURES 4WD TOUR Climb aboard our 18-seater 4WD bus for a Pioneering Adventure off the beaten tracks. A state-of-the-art Norfolk Island experience. Enjoy air-conditioned comfort and safety as we share authentic insights of Norfolk’s unexplored valleys, ridges, coastlines and private properties.

PITCAIRN SETTLERS VILLAGE TOUR Learn about the colourful history of Norfolk’s most recent settlement – the Pitcairn descendants. Experience the history & culture of the Pitcairn Settlers. View the magnificent homestead gardens, including many traditional crops. Ride in Norfolk’s first tour couch, a model A Ford. View a film, visit a blacksmith’s forge, the original homestead, a WWII Army hut & Museum of Memorabilia (incl. light refreshments).

GREENFINGER TOUR A tour featuring some of the Islands most lovely gardens. Through the morning we visit a nursery owned and operated by a Norfolk Islander, and view the hydroponics. We also visit a gorgeous private garden and Norfolk Island’s only maze. Morning tea at a scenic spot included.

BREAKFAST BUSHWALK Take you choice of a stroll through Palm Glen Reserve or for the more energetic a leisurely 3.5km walk through scenic Mt Bates to Captain Cook Monument. At the end of the walks we meet on the clifftop for a delicious barbecue Breakfast. Tour is not recommended for anyone with medical conditions – walking shoes and water are recommended.

True Blue December 2020

What is Norfolk Island famous for? There is no doubt that Norfolk Island is a unique destination and aside from its incredible beauty, there are a number of interesting reasons Norfolk Island stands out from the rest. 1. Descendants of the Bounty Mutineers More descendants of Fletcher Christian than anywhere else in the world

6. Emily Bay The very same one named in Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Top 10 Beaches

Norfolk is now home to the famed descendants of the Polynesian women and Bounty Mutineers, originally living on Pitcairn Island. After outgrowing Pitcairn, the community, made up of 8 family groupings, relocated to Norfolk in 1856. Owner of NITC, Rebecca Christan, is a seventhgeneration descendant of Fletcher Christan.

Summer + Norfolk Island = Emily Bay. This stunning beach has it all. Emily Bay is a unique gem. This is the perfect place for families to safely and easily enjoy a Norfolk Island summer holiday.

2. Convict Colony The resting place of Australia’s most important shipwreck, flagship of the First Fleet HMS Sirius

Check out the The Faasfain (fast find) section of the Norfolk Island phone book. Islanders are so much more familiar with each other’s nicknames rather than their long forgotten birth names. Updated every three years.

Norfolk was home to two penal settlements. During the first, the Island became home to many ‘First Fleeters’. Then, after 1825, the poor souls who were to live, enduring ‘punishment just short of death’, simply tried to survive life here.

3. Norfolk Island Pine Home to endemic Araucaria heterophylla, or as you may know it, the Norfolk Pine The Norfolk Island Pine was discovered by Capt. James Cook in 1774, Cook noted the pines would be perfect for masts and yards for sailing ships but it was later found that they were not resilient enough. Today, the Norfolk Pine can be found around the world, particularly coastal areas, due to its ability to grow in sand and high tolerance for salt and wind – making it the perfect seaside tree.

4. Norfolk Cows Moooove over because the free-range cows on Norfolk Island have right of way These friendly four-legged grass-mowers have been an integral part of Norfolk’s culture, in fact, they were the star of the Museum’s Longest Paddock Exhibition in 2020!

5. Colleen McCullough Colleen McCullough and her convict ancestor “Morgan’s Run” both lived here

7. Unique Phone Book Where you can search by nick-name in the local phone book

8. Thanksgiving The only place in the South Pacific that celebrates Thanksgiving Day Norfolk Island is one of the few places outside of America to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, an influence left from the American whaling ships who would frequently visit during the late 1800’s. The Norfolk Island Food Festival is always timed to coincide with Thanksgiving Day.

9. Fishing Or as the locals call it ‘catching’ With a 50sq Norfolk Marine Park seclusion zone around the Island, no commercial fishing allowed and deep water right at our doorstep, Norfolk Island is an undiscovered game fishing paradise.

10. Norfolk Island Golf Course As seen in Golf Australia’s 60 best 9-hole courses in Australia Play golf on Norfolk Island and you’ll find one of the most friendly and social clubs with a course bordered by the South Pacific Ocean and set within historic Kingston, a World Heritage listed site. Often described as one of the most beautiful locations for a course, it’s not hard to understand why it’s such an attraction.

The world-renowned author Colleen McCullough, made Norfolk home in 1979 and stayed until her passing in 2015. Here you can book an exclusive guided tour to the author’s magnificent property.

Vale On behalf of the UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee, State Branches and all members of UNOPAA, we would like to acknowledge the service of the following, particularly to overseas peacekeeping, and to express our sympathy to family, contingent colleagues and friends. It is with regret that we advise of the passing of:

LARRY ANDREWS An AFP member of the 72nd Contingent to Cyprus (2002-2003). Larry joined the ACT Police in 1971 and became a member of the AFP on foundation day in 1979. His service included VIP Protection, Norfolk Island and the Scenario Based training Team. He retired at the rank of Sergeant. He passed away on 18 August 2020, aged 71 years. His funeral was held in Canberra on 25 August 2020.

ATHOL GAZEY A West Australian Police member of the 5th Contingent to Cyprus (1968-69). Athol passed away in Western Australia on 8 September 2019, aged 87 years. We weren’t aware of it at the time, but were advised by his widow Beryl.

NORMAN ROBERT (NORM) JAMES A Victoria Police member of the 11th Contingent to Cyprus (1974-75). Norm passed away on 12 November 2020, at the grand age of 95 years. He was living in Tweed Heads at the time.

ROGER SHARP Roger was a Victoria Police member of the 8th Contingent to Cyprus (1971-72). Roger passed away from cancer in Canberra today (Sunday, 29 November 2020,). He was aged 75 years. His funeral was held in Canberra on 9 December 2020.

LEADING SENIOR CONSTABLE CASSANDRA LEE GUNN Leading Senior Constable Gunn dedicated a large portion of her career to both domestic and international service including deployments to Jervis Bay, Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Timor Leste. Cassandra joined the Australian Federal Police in March 2003 following years of dedicated service with Queensland Police. Cassandra passed away on 3 October 2020 aged 50 years.

ROBIN MOSTYN HUNTER Robin passed away on 20 July 2020 aged 78 years. He joined the Commonwealth Police in 1971 and served with the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus between 1974 and 1975 on the 11th contingent. He became a member of the Australian Federal Police upon formation in 1979 Robin’s funeral was held on Wednesday 5th August at West Chapel Pinaroo Cemetery – Whitfords Avenue, Padbury Western Australia.

ROBERT LEO LEHMANN Robert Lehmann was an AFP member who joined the ACT Police in 1973 and also transitioned to the AFP on foundation day in 1979. He retired as a Detective Superintendent in 2012. During his service, Robert deployed to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Nauru. He passed away on 30 August 2020, aged 70 years. A private service of remembrance was held by his family.

The UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee and all members of UNOPAA, express our sympathy to families and friends of the above.

UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (UNOPAA)

Membership Renewal or Application Your annual UNOPAA membership subscription is $20.00. Please complete this form and return with your subscription to address at the bottom of this form.

Surname or Family Name Given Name/s Preferred Name Private Address (No. & Street) (Suburb or Town) (State)

(Postcode)

Spouse/Partner’s Name Phone (Home or Mobile)

(Business)

Email Address Current or former Police Organisation (please tick)

AFP

VIC

TAS

NSW

QLD

Currently serving

Service Status

(specify below)

Other

Former or retired

Associate

United Nations or Overseas Policing Service UN Mission/Country of Policing Service (eg: UNFICYP-Cyprus, UNMIT/TLPDP-Timor Leste, RAMSI, Afghanistan, etc)

Year/s

Contingent Number/s

Military Service (eg: RAAF, Corps, Regiment, Wing, Ship etc)

Membership Fees

for Serving Members, Former or Retired,

$20.00 or Associate Cheque

Payment Type

Do you require a receipt?

Year/s

Yes

Money Order

Signature

EFTPOS – Account Name: UNOPAA BSB: 815-000 Account No: 229831

Direct debit (form attached)

All payments MUST be made in Australian Dollars. Make cheques payable to UNOPAA. Do NOT send cash.

Please send this Application Form and remittance to: UNOPAA c/- Peter McDonald, National Secretary PO Box 253, East Keilor, VIC, 3033 Phone: (03) 9337 4736 Mobile: 0418 131 352 Email: secretary@unopaa.org

Official Use Only

Membership updated on: By:

UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA UNOPAA (Inc. NSW) ABN: 83 146 901 797

MERCHANDISE

COST

UNOPAA Tie – Blue with Light Blue Logo

$20.00

UNOPAA Cuff Links

$20.00

QUANTITY

SUBTOTAL

Tie

UNOPAA Lapel Pins Round

$20.00

UNOPAA Flag/ANF Lapel Pins

$10.00

UNOPAA/ANF Challenge Coin

$25.00

DELIVERY DETAILS

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Please note – GST, postage and handling included

Cuff Links

TOTAL:

CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER Send cheque or money order in mail, payable to “UNOPAA”, and this form completed with your order to PO Box 7099, KARABAR NSW 2620 DIRECT CREDIT – INTERNET TRANSFER Account: UNOPAA Merchandise S2 BSB: 815000 Account: 100343942 Reference: <your last name> and ‘MRCHDS’ in the reference field Then e-mail details of the transaction including your reference number and a copy of this completed form to heldale.cooper@gmail.com Title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, Rank)

No/Street

First Name

City/Suburb

Last Name

State

Country

Mobile

Phone

Post/Zip Code

The United Nations & Overseas Police Association of Australia (UNOPAA) will accept returned products/ merchandise where: • The product is faulty, or not fit for purpose, or the product does not match the sample or description. Proof of purchase (UNOPAA merchandise receipt) must be provided in order to: • Obtain a refund (by cheque) will be provided or re-issue alike article.

Lapel Pins Round

Flag/ANF Lapel Pins

ANF Challenge Coin IMPORTANT NOTES The UNOPAA will take the utmost care in packaging; however, we will not accept any responsibility for goods damaged in transit. The UNOPAA will not accept returns where the product or merchandise is ordered specifically for an individual (eg Montage, clothing, etc) All queries for return of merchandise must be received within 30 days from date of purchase and directed to the UNOPAA Merchandise officer @heldale.cooper@ gmail.com. Item returns will be at the discretion of the APPVA Merchandise Officer provided the above criterion is met in the first instance. Please choose carefully as UNOPAA cannot accept returns due to a change of mind.

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Coronavirus: Thanks to you, we are saving lives and stopping the spread. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important we continue to keep all Australians safe. Stay at home unless necessary and avoid non-essential travel. Banks, supermarkets, petrol stations, medical services and suppliers remain open.

If you can, you should work from home. Use phones for meetings, stop handshaking, tap to pay where possible instead of using cash.

Maintain physical distancing and hygiene practices. Keep 1.5 metres of physical distance, exercise away from others, and wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds.

Visit australia.gov.au to find restrictions specific to your State or Territory. Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

1053 Botany Road MASCOT NSW 2020

Phone: 02 9669 3311 Fax: 02 9693 1199

ABN: 94 142 397 804