15/02/2025
This week on Wednesday, we provided support to our partners and clients at the Embassy of Japan for the Emperor’s Birthday Reception held at the Ambassador’s official residence. The celebration of Emperor Naruhito's birthday is a significant event for the people of Japan, and the Japanese Embassy here in Australia honours this occasion with an annual official function.
The function was attended by approximately 520 guests, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Hon Chris Bowen MP, and Minister for Resources and the Minister for Northern Australia Hon Madeleine King MP, as well as other members of the Australian Federal Parliament, including former prime minister Hon Scott Morrison MP. Representatives from Australian state and territory governments, ambassadors and diplomatic missions in Canberra, such as US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, members of the Japan-Australia business community, think tanks, academia, and Japan-related friendship organisations were also present.
Our DPG venue coordinator, stationed permanently at the Embassy, led the DPG unit and worked diligently throughout the weeks leading up to the event, ensuring that our security framework and protocols aligned with the logistics of the operation. We deployed two state-of-the-art Magnetometers alongside the existing screening equipment at the embassy, along with some additional advanced screening equipment, to enhance our ability to prevent and disrupt any harmful activities that posed threats to the premises and guests attending.
As with an any event that attracts national and international high office holders from Australia and the wider diplomatic community, our valued colleagues from the Australian Federal Police Close Personal Protection(CPP) teams were present. They, in concert with AFP teams from Security Protection Diplomatic Liason (SPDL) and Diplomatic Uniformed Protection teamed with DPG members to integrate their emergency management response roles and requirements.
DPG maintains a presence at the Embassy of Japan 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our DPG team of security specialists provides continuous oversight and response capabilities at the premises, ensuring that our Japanese allies can conduct diplomatic business safely.
The DPG team monitored access and perimeter security throughout the event. The celebration concluded without incident, and from the feedback we received it was hailed a successful event.