Global instability, geopolitical contests and technological advancements have changed dramatically since I was appointed AFP Commissioner five years ago.
The volume and complexity in federal crime is altering the shape of the AFP as we counter a two-tiered system of crime.
We are still focussed on the business-as-usual: disrupting illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, online child exploitation and fraud.
But the AFP is more than ever policing grey zone warfare, which includes cyber attacks, espionage and foreign interference.
The shadowy hands pulling the strings to achieve political objectives are a direct threat to Australia's national security, our democracy and our democratic institutions.
Investigating crimes committed in the shadows takes more resources, skill and time. It also takes diplomacy, partnerships and trust.
Every day we share crucial information and resources with like-minded countries to help defend our countries and citizens from those who want to do us harm.
Our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies throughout the world have never been so important.
An example is our large footprint in the Pacific today. For the AFP, this is non-negotiable. With our shared democratic values, we remain the partner of choice for Pacific Island police.
Through several programs, forums and investment, the AFP works closely with our Pacific neighbours to provide security and training uplift in the region.
We are also working closely with the US and the UK as the AFP finalises planning and preparation for the essential and significant capability build for the new protection model for AUKUS submarines.
This will take expertise and new skills for our protective service officers and ensure one of Australia's key lines of defence are appropriately safeguarded.
This new capability requirement comes as we continue to build our intelligence and capability, especially as we continue to combat transnational serious organised crime, which the AFP has described as a national security threat.
Organised crime will expand its criminal enterprise whenever there is vulnerability and profitability.
Organised crime groups are growing and diversifying, and many targeting Australia remain offshore.
Australian criminals often meet in offshore resort locations to discuss and plan their criminality, while at the same time stockpiling illicit drugs in nearby vulnerable countries.
Those drugs are often destined for Australia, however, some are also making their way into the communities of those vulnerable countries, creating a new criminal ecosystem.
We work closely with partners to disrupt this criminality, and it is a great shame that this is impacting on the safety and security of some other nations.
We also remain concerned that some organised criminals continue to support the families of offenders incarcerated in Australia, mitigating deterrence.
It is an example of how difficult it can be to break criminal tribalism - which is why the AFP continues to invest resources and time in dismantling organised crime.
And in a message to organised crime, I'm warning them today that we will continue to target their offending, regardless of our other priorities, including the upcoming Federal election.
The AFP has established Operation AUSTRALIS25 to ensure the safety, security and dignity of Australian high office holders, federal parliamentarians and candidates for the election.
It will be supported by Commonwealth agencies and state and territory law enforcement partners to enable a coordinated, rapid response for triaging, assessing and acting upon threats and reports of crime.
An Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) will operate seven days a week and will be the centralised hub for management of all operations and information related to the federal election.
All of the matters I raised today reflect our new normal - and highlight our core duties.
There is no greater priority for the AFP than protecting Australians and protecting Australia's interests.
We do this every day.
Finally, I expect you will want to ask the AFP questions about Operation Kissinger, which is our investigation into a caravan found in January in NSW, and Operation Hillfield, the investigation into the arson of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne last year.
I understand there is great interest in these investigations, however, I will not provide updates in public forums.
Detail provided, whether it seems innocuous or not, can have an impact on investigations, including giving suspects an insight about what we knew and when, and what processes triggered expected tasks.
We are unapologetic that our main priority remains on identifying the offenders and bringing them before the courts.
The AFP and partners will provide an update at an appropriate time.
Thank you and we are happy to take your questions.
