Australian appointment - United Nations Under-Secretary-General of Safety and Security

We welcome the appointment of a senior Australian official, Mr Peter Drennan, to the position of Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security in the United Nations Secretariat, New York. Mr Drennan was appointed to the role by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and becomes the most senior Australian official in the UN Headquarters.

Mr Drennan has had a distinguished career in the Australian Federal Police. He is currently Deputy Commissioner of National Security, overseeing international deployments, counter-terrorism, aviation security and the protection of high office holders, official establishments and critical infrastructure.

Mr Drennan is well-regarded for delivering results in the global safety and security arena, including through the Afghanistan and Pakistan Strategic Coordination Group and the G20 Security Committee. His track record in strategic management, leadership, intelligence and international security policy is exceptional.

Mr Drennan will be responsible for advising the Secretary-General on matters related to the safety and security of United Nations personnel, premises and assets, both at Headquarters and in the field.

The United Nations performs vital work in some of the world's most challenging and conflict-affected places and the safety and security of its 145,000 military, police and civilian personnel worldwide is a paramount concern for the organisation.

Australia is a founding member of the United Nations and is serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2013-14. Australia is the 12th largest contributor to the United Nations regular and peacekeeping budgets.