Speech to the Inaugural CEO Awards Ceremony
13 February 2014
Michael Pezzullo
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
E&OE
Minister Morrison, Assistant Minister Cash, Commissioner Negus, Secretary Bowles, special guest Ben Roberts-Smith, distinguished guests, officers, ladies and gentlemen, welcome and thank you for coming to this very important and historic night to be part of the inaugural CEO's Awards ceremony.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has a long and proud history in protecting our border and serving the community. Since federation we have been evolving to meet the challenges of the time. But from the beginning it has been our people who have played the greatest role in fulfilling our obligation to this country. As we look to the future we are acutely aware that our people have always been, and will remain, our greatest asset.
It is for this reason that tonight is so special. Together we are reforming the Service and evolving to meet the challenges of the future. An essential part of that reform is for the Service to have a culture that is equal to the task. A robust culture built on integrity, a culture of striving for excellence, smart thinking and innovation, and a culture that recognises commitment and achievement. It is through awarding our people's dedication to duty and excellent work that we will help to foster this culture. This is why, as part of this reform, we have developed a new Awards and Recognition Framework that provides positive reinforcement of this culture.
Recently many of our high achievers have also been recognised with an Australia Day Award Medallion or a World Customs Organisation award. One in particular whom I would like to mention tonight is Terry Price, Deputy Commander Border Protection Command (Operations). Terry was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours list in recognition of his role in delivering the operational response to Irregular Maritime Arrivals and managing Search and Rescue activity associated with such arrivals.
The Public Service medal is the highest accolade that can be bestowed on an Australian Public Servant. It acknowledges Terry's work in meeting the challenges of maritime threats to Australia while keeping a strong focus on the safety and security of the people who approach our shores on unseaworthy boats and the safety and security of his staff. Terry has direct responsibility for deterring, preventing and responding to any civil maritime threats and his work directly contributes to the security of Australia's borders. As you enjoy tonight in the audience, Terry, know that we appreciate the work you do in this space. Please join me in recognising Terry's achievement as a worthy recipient of the 2013 Public Service Medal.
There are many other officers who we will acknowledge tonight when I present the first CEO's Awards for the Service.
Tonight we are celebrating our officers for their bravery and rewarding their professionalism and dedication to duty.
We recognise those exemplars within the Service whose actions we should wish to emulate as we build the Service of the future; a widely respected, disciplined Service that acts with honour and integrity.
We recognise you, the award recipients. This is your night, your night to be publically recognised and your night to enjoy.
I want each and every one of you to know that we are proud of you. The job that we are entrusted to do as a Service, 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, is no small task. We hold a great responsibility in protecting our border and our community; never underestimate the importance of your efforts as an Australian Customs and Border Protection officer. The work that you do every day contributes to keeping this country and its people safe and prosperous.
I am proud to present these awards to you, because you deserve them. Know that you may wear your awards with pride and that others will recognise them as the marks of honour that they are.
I trust that everybody here will enjoy this evening and remember it for many years to come.
Thank you.
