Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Congratulations to a young man from Wide Bay, Jake Henry-May, who won a coveted place in the Australian Federal Police Forensics Work Experience Program. More than a thousand students applied to get into the week-long intensive course, and Jake was one of only 30, nationwide, to earn a spot. Jake attended a crime scene scenario, investigating and solving a mock crime, and gave evidence in a mock court. He got opportunities that a 16-year-old could only dream of: working in ballistics, including handling an AK-47, and fingerprinting suspects, while learning from the AFP forensic specialists in a laboratory and in the field. The experience, which gave Jake access to all of the AFP's forensic capabilities, cemented his plan to study science and specialise in forensics.

Offering this unique opportunity to all students across Australia—not just those lucky enough to be geographically close to the AFP—means kids win this experience based on merit, not on their address. I thank the AFP for recognising our smart regional kids, no matter where they live, and inspiring the next generation of forensic investigators. And I say to Jake: whether it's serving the community in policing or whatever you choose to do, go for it, mate!