Steven Austen

I joined the NSW Police Force in 1981 as a Constable attached to Bondi Police Station.

I enrolled in in Plainclothes Investigative training in 1983 and I was Designated a Detective in August 1986.

I have performed duty as a Detective in varied locations throughout my career including Specialist Drug Investigation at the Drug Law Enforcement Bureau, the State Drug Group and the Drug Enforcement Agency, including undercover operations.

In 1998 I commenced training with the then Special Weapons Operations Squad (SWOS) and in 1989 I became a member of the Police Assault Group (PAG) which was the primary response for the NSW Police to Counter Terrorist Operations, Aircraft Hijackings and Hostage Rescue.

I have undertaken numerous tactical training courses eventually becoming an instructor in varied skills including live fire CQB, roping and rappelling, advanced weapons, Water and Air operations.

In 1991 I was selected to attended training with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in counter terrorist tactic's and upon returning to Sydney I was appointed a Senior Instructor and Team leader at the rank of Detective Sergeant in the newly formed State Protection Group, Tactical Operations Unit, where I continued to plan, train and lead tactical high risk operations on a daily basis.

In 1997 I transferred to Kogarah Police Station where I performed duty as a Uniformed Sergeant on general duties. I was later promoted to Inspector at Sutherland as a Duty Officer/Crime Manager, commanding the operational duties of the Sutherland Local Area Command.

During my time as a Duty Officer I have led and directed many varied operations relating to search and rescue, missing persons, criminal investigations, selective enforcement operations and all aspects of Policing.

I have received training in Emergency management at a senior level.

I remained in these roles until my retirement in 2003.

• Designated Detective NSW Police Academy Detectives Training Course 1986
• Special Weapons & Operations Section Training Course 1988
• Police Assault Group Training Course 1989
• Roping and Rappelling Course 1990
• Police Assault Close Quarter Battle Course, Special Air Service Regiment, Swanbourne WA, 1991
• Glock Firearms Armourers Course 1991
• Roping and Rappelling Course 1992 (Instructor)
• Hostage Response Rescue Course, NSW Department of Corrective Services 1992
• Aircraft Anti Hijack Course 1993
• Bushcraft Navigation Course 1993
• Water Operations Course 1993
• Appointed Senior Tactical Team Level 3 Instructor, State Protection Group, NSW Police Academy, 1993
• Heckler and Koch Factory Armourer course, Victoria Police, 1994
• Police Assault Group Commanders Course, Standing Advisory Committee on Commonwealth/State cooperation for Protection against Violence, 1995
• Clandestine Laboratory Advanced Investigation Course, Special Agencies, 1995

• Emergency Management Introduction Course, State Emergency Management Committee 1998
• Senior Incident and Emergency Management Course, Georges River Region 1998
• Bachelor of Laws, Charles Sturt University, 2020
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, College of Law, 2023
• Admitted to the New South Wales Supreme Court as a Solicitor, 2023