While in Sydney during the Olympics, I witnessed myself, the extraordinary effort put in by both military and civilian personnel in preparing and seeing through to fruition the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. I am also very well aware of the behind the scenes efforts by a great number of our people throughout Australia, including many Reservists.

Extensive planning and cooperation with state and Commonwealth agencies has been ongoing for several years. It is very gratifying to be able to look back now and see that all the hard work and effort has paid off.

Leading up to and throughout the running of both Games, I have received an enormous amount of positive feedback about the professionalism of ADF personnel and the dedication with which they have performed their particular roles over the past few weeks.

Since the closing ceremony was held, I have received some letters of appreciation, and we have been applauded in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. I would like to share some of these acknowledgements with you.

In Parliament on October 3, the Prime Minister asked the House of Representatives, "to express its thanks to all officials from Commonwealth departments and agencies who worked to prepare and support the running of the Games, in particular the men and women of the Australian Defence Force." Those comments were reiterated in the Senate by Senator Alston on the same day and in a letter to me by the President of the Senate, Margaret Reid.

Minister Moore also wrote to me before the end of the Paralympics expressing his praise and congratulations. In brief he made special mention of passing on his "thanks for all of the efforts of the Australian Defence Force involved in Operation Gold…and the huge success of the Olympics which can be attributed in no small way, to the dedication and commitment of the members of the ADF."

New South Wales Commissioner, Peter Ryan in a letter to me, has personally conveyed his gratitude for the services provided by the ADF and has been complimentary in his praise for the efforts of each and everyone involved in this mammoth task.

In part he said, "I can say without a doubt that a large part of our success was due to the exceptional operational support of the ADF, at a strategic and tactical level. I am sure you will agree that it has been extremely satisfying to see the seamless alignment of our agencies in providing the security overlay… It has been a protracted commitment that I appreciate was sustained despite other operational commitments of the ADF."

Commissioner Ryan and Commander Paul McKinnon have also sent a letter to all ADF members involved in the Olympic Games. That letter reads as follows:

The road to the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games had its origins in 1993 with Sydney's successful bid. The security planning started as a specialist cell formed within the NSW Police Service, co-located with SOCOG (the organising committee) and charged with scoping the security for the largest and most complex peace-time event on earth.

Our work could not have been progressed so far, nor the holistic security arrangements for the Games be realised without the unstinting support of the Australian Defence Force.

In travelling that road to the Sydney 2000 Games, we found the formerly close relationship between NSW Police and the Defence Force matured into a strong and integrated security capability that has earned international recognition for excellence, and the respect and gratitude of organisers and participants.

JTF's 112 and 114 performed their roles in a most professional and effective manner that has attracted international accolades. Certainly during the course of the Games, senior Police, the Sydney 2000 Executives and the International Olympic Committee frequently praised the level of courtesy, discipline and effectiveness demonstrated by ADF members.

Additionally, an excellent liaison team has worked within the Olympic Security Command for many years and their dedication and contribution has earned our high respect.

Each and every member of the ADF who contributed to providing the effective security template for the Games should take with them the pride of having done a challenging task well, and the thanks and recognition of the NSW Police Service for their efforts.

It has been a great pleasure working with you, and the credit you have earned reflects upon the fine quality of your professionalism and commitment. Thank you all.

PJ Ryan QPM Paul McKinnon APM
Commissioner of Police Commander Olympic Security