Two AFP officers recognised in Australia Day Honours list
Two Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers, with more than 65 years of policing experience between them, have been recognised in today’s 2019 Australia Day Honours list.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy and Detective Superintendent Terry Venchiarutti will each receive the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their work across a range of AFP operational areas.
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin APM OAM congratulated the officers on their award and thanked them for their ongoing service to the AFP and Australian community.
“Jason and Terry’s work, both in Australia and overseas, is reflective of the broad responsibilities of the AFP,” Commissioner Colvin said.
“I congratulate Jason and Terry for their outstanding contributions to our organisation and the wider Australian community. Their inclusion in today’s honours list is recognition of their hard work over many years.
“Jason should be incredibly proud of his commitment to the AFP and his efforts in ensuring the safety of the community of the Australian Capital Territory.
“Terry’s work as the Senior Police Officer with the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse is a testament to his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.”
Detective Superintendent Kennedy joined the AFP through the AFP Undergraduate Program in February 1991, and later completed recruit training. His career has spanned a number of diverse roles, from being responsible for the ACT Policing Futures Program to undertaking numerous postings. These have included being the Officer in Charge of Christmas Island, a member of the 65th Contingent to Cyprus and taking part in the AFP’s assistance to Indonesia following the 2002 Bali Bombings.
Detective Superintendent Venchiarutti transferred from the Commonwealth Police to the AFP on its inception in 1979. His career included overseas deployments, such as Italy and the Netherlands, and a visiting fellowship at the Australian Institute of Police Management. Superintendent Venchiarutti participated in many major investigations, ranging from major drug importations (Operation Dyke) to counter terrorism operations (Operation Pendennis-Eden). He was also the Senior Police Officer with the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse. He retired from policing in January 2019.
Editor’s note:
Biographies and photographs of Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy and Detective Superintendent Terry Venchiarutti are available on request. Interview requests and other media enquiries should be directed to the AFP National Media team on (02) 6131 6333.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333