Twenty years ago tomorrow, Australia was cruelled by a tragedy that forever changed the lives of Australians and the Australian Federal Police.
Just a year after we faced a new world order in the wake of the deadly September 11 attacks, the paradise on our doorstep, the home away from home for many Australians, was targeted by an incomprehensible act of evil.
On October 12, 2002, twin Bali bombings killed 202 people, including 88 Australians. It was our biggest loss of life in post war Australia.
That unprovoked attack collectively shocked our nation, but it did not bring Australia to its knees like those terrorists had craved.
Instead, Australians stood strong together – and importantly, they stood next to the innocent people of Indonesia.
This was especially the case for the men and women of the AFP. Some of our own were already there on that fateful night and were badly injured by the blasts.
For our members who were shaken but could run or walk, instinct kicked in.
They found themselves triaging the injured and trying to manage chaos that was comparable to a war zone.
Within hours of those terror attacks, AFP members deployed from Australia to Bali to assist the Indonesian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police in their investigation.
It is extraordinary to think that another nation’s police force would be invited so quickly to another country to help in such a sensitive investigation. But that was no accident.
Former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty had built a strong relationship with then Indonesian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police Chief General Da’I Bachtiar.
Mick Keelty’s vision of adopting police diplomacy across our region is one of his most enduring legacies.
Without that trust and strength of partnership, which continues today between the AFP and Indonesian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police, I fear there may have been so many other tragedies.
Operation Alliance was the biggest, offshore, forensic-led operation in the history of the AFP at the time – and it remains only second to the AFP’s response to the downing of MH17.
As well as deploying disaster victim identification specialists, forensic investigators, intelligence officers, investigators and security staff, a major AFP incident room was set up in Canberra where members worked around the clock.
We also sent members to support victims and families, which led to the creation of the AFP’s respected Family Investigative Liaison Officer program.
At its height, Operation Alliance involved about 500 Australian police members – including those from states and territories.
We focused on delivering comfort, answers, and most importantly, justice – which we did together with our partners and victims’ families. Yesterday, tomorrow and every day after, our thoughts are with those families who were affected by the bombings.
However, I want to also acknowledge the exceptional work undertaken by current and former members who were assigned to Operation Alliance.
There are some things our members cannot unsee, and to this day, the horror and cruelty inflicted on so many innocent people weighs heavily on the AFP.
Some of our people have never fully grieved or allowed themselves to fully understand the mental load they carried in the days, weeks and years after that act of terrorism.
Some view their torment or sorrow as indulgent – especially given so many families had lost children, mothers, fathers and team mates who were like brothers and sisters.
It is heartbreaking to know that some of our current and former members who were in Bali at the time of the blasts question why they were able to survive.
For the rest of us, we question whether we did enough to tell them that we are in awe of their service.
Members of law enforcement agencies never view the pursuit of justice as a burden – for us it is the end goal.
But we know there are confronting crimes that can shorten the professional lifespan of members – because some scars are more than skin deep.
However, I want you to know that you will always be considered part of our blue family and your contribution will always be valued.
I was just a Senior Sergeant in the AFP and posted offshore as part of the United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor when those bombs ripped through Bali.
Back then I knew you were our silent heroes.
Two decades later and as AFP Commissioner, my view has only been reinforced by your continued devotion to our organisation and the Australian public.
To our current and former members, please know that your shining devotion to justice, to grieving families and to our country has not been dimmed by the passing of 20 years. Your work all those years ago changed how Australians understood and valued the Australian Federal Police.
You didn’t know it at the time, but you were creating a legacy that all of us here today are the beneficiaries of.
Because of you and the foundations you built, the AFP has become a leader in forensics, disaster victim identification, family liaison and a partner of choice around the world for specialised investigations. You were the pioneers.
This is our shared history with Australians but also with hundreds of other people from across the world who were in Bali that night and the weeks after.
That history should never be forgotten. And we won’t let it. The four-part Bali podcast produced by the AFP is a tribute to you, to our agency and those Australians who rallied around our members during those endless days 20 years ago.
Tomorrow, the final instalment will be released. To Ray Martin, who narrated the podcast, thank you for lending your voice, which carries so much authority and respect in Australia.
Can I thank former Prime Minister John Howard, Indonesian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police Inspector-General Benny Mamoto, former AFP Commissioner, Andrew Colvin, former AFP officer and Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton, former Australian diplomat Associate Professor Ian Kemish and our domestic and international partners for sharing their insights and experiences for the podcast.
Finally, I want to thank our current and former members involved in Operation Alliance.
Yesterday, today and every day after that, you deserve to stand tall. The AFP is in your debt and we will forever stand tall next to you. Thank you for your service.
