Three APMs awarded in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Three Australian Federal Police (AFP) members – including the current head of the AFP’s office in Melbourne; the Senior Liaison Officer in Pakistan; and a Detective Sergeant involved in planning the future of ACT Policing – have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Commander Amanda Kates, Detective Superintendent Hilda Sirec and Detective Sergeant Ronald Melis have been awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their meritorious service and commitment to the Australian community.

Commander Amanda Kates commenced her career with the AFP in 1990, moving into ACT Policing after completing recruit training at the AFP College. She progressed from Sergeant in 2006, to Superintendent in 2008 and in 2017 to her current rank of Commander.

She is currently the State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania and has spent the majority of her career dedicated to roles within the National portfolios and International operations, including stints as the officer in charge at Jervis Bay and Christmas Island. She was among the first deployment of AFP members to Sudan, and also served in Timor Leste.

Commander Kates has devoted almost 30 years of service to the AFP, and to the community.

Detective Superintendent Hilda Sirec began with the AFP in 2001, assigned to ACT Policing after recruit training at the AFP College.

During her 18-year career she has worked in dedicated roles within ACT Policing, International Operations and Counter Terrorism. These have included working in general duties policing, adult and child sexual assault teams, in the Office of the Chief Police Officer, and the City Beats Team. She also served in the people smuggling and counter terrorism areas, and held a pivotal role in the AFP’s assistance following the downing of Flight MH17 in the Ukraine.

She was recently Coordinator of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) in the Brisbane Office, prior to becoming AFP Senior Liaison Officer in Islamabad, Pakistan.

ACT Policing Detective Sergeant Ron Melis joined ACT Policing after his commencement in 1984, advancing to First Constable in 1988. He received his Detective designation in 1993 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2000.

He has dedicated his service to ACT Policing and was instrumental in managing the ACT Mental Health Community Policing Initiative introduced in 2011. He performed the role of the training manager for the program and was a major contributor in the development of the Roadside Drug Testing pilot program for the ACT.

Currently undertaking the project officer role for the ACT’s ‘Policing for Tomorrows’ project, as part of the ACT Policing’s Futures Program, Detective Sergeant Melis has served the Australian Federal Police, and the community of the Australian Capital Territory, with distinction for 35 years.

AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin praised the three respected AFP officers recognised today for their outstanding commitment to policing and protection of the Australian community.

“It is a proud moment to see these three diligent AFP officers being recognised and congratulated for their contribution not only to the work of the AFP, but the Australian community in general,” Commissioner Colvin said.

“Their roles represent various arms within our organisation – from community policing, to international liaison, to leadership of our second largest State office – and reflect the breadth and diversity of experience I see in our workforce every day.

“Policing is not a job we do for thanks, but to Amanda, Hilda, and Ron – I hope you and your families take a moment to recognise this important milestone in your careers today.”

The AFP would also like to acknowledge former AFP Assistant Commissioners, Mr Nigel Hadgkiss APM and Mr Paul Jevtovic APM. Nigel Hadgkiss has been awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. This award recognises his significant service to the building and construction sector, to public administration and to law enforcement. Paul Jevtovic has been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, which recognises his service to financial crime enforcement and regulation.

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