31 March 2009
AUSTRAC CEO to retire in July
The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Neil Jensen, will retire from AUSTRAC on 16 July 2009.
Mr Jensen, who has served 39 years in the public service, including the last 20 years with AUSTRAC, has indicated that his decision to retire was not made overnight, but was a product of deliberation over a number of years.
'In determining when I would retire, a significant factor was that I would leave AUSTRAC as an extremely effective anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing regulator and specialist financial intelligence unit. I wanted to ensure that AUSTRAC is, and is seen as, a premier government agency in Australia, and also has that same recognition globally. With the support of my executive, and all at AUSTRAC, we have achieved this position,' said Mr Jensen. 'It is now time for a new CEO to take AUSTRAC forward.'
The timing of Mr Jensen's departure fits well with AUSTRAC in consolidating its expanded regulatory program, and recent funding to further develop its financial intelligence role will allow the new CEO to move AUSTRAC into its next stage.
It also follows the conclusion at the end of May 2009 of Mr Jensen's 12-month appointment as the committee Chair of the international Egmont Group of financial intelligence units.
Mr Jensen has informed the Minister for Home Affairs of his intentions, and this will allow the government to commence the formal process of selecting a new CEO.
Mr Jensen thanked AUSTRAC staff for their continuing support, and in so doing he said: 'AUSTRAC has been able to develop and operate efficiently and effectively as a direct result of their support and will continue to develop after my departure.'
He also acknowledged the support of a wide range of stakeholders including present and past Ministers, AUSTRAC's partner agencies, representatives of various government departments, members of the private sector and overseas FIUs.
Media enquiries:
Kim Hargest
Telephone: +61 3 8636 0553
Mobile: 0418 103 107
Email: Kim.Hargest@austrac.gov.au
