Group Captain Ric Casagrande, who is attached to the Australian Embassy in Rome, has been appointed Security Attache to the Australian Olympic Team.

The Australian Olympic Committee requested the Torino Organising Committee (TOROC) provide GPCAPT Casagrande with a special “S” (Security) accreditation so he can provide advice and assistance to the Team for the duration of the Games.

The 48 year old who grew up in Parramatta is currently the Defence Attache in Rome in charge of Southern Europe – Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel.

GPCAPT Casagrande is an Air Force officer with 22 years service in the RAAF. He also has extensive experience in joint and multi-agency operations overseas.

The Australian Ambassador to Italy, Peter Woolcott, supported his appointment to the 2006 Olympic Team.

“I see the security role as one of providing advice to the ambassador and team on security issues, working closely with the Italian security forces, acting as the Australian point of contact (POC) for security matters and providing general liaison support service for security,” GPCAPT Casagrande said.

“It will mainly be a case of working with the other embassy staff, Italian authorities and our close allies (US, UK & Canada) on security plans and response in the event of a security related incident occurring. I expect to be in Torino for the whole of the Games.”

He speaks fluent Italian and has now worked for some time supporting Australia’s involvement in the Winter Olympics. He attended a security conference in Turin in late October.

His predecessor Colonel Mal Rerden acted as a security/defence liaison officer in Athens for the duration of the 2004 Games.

GPCAPT Casagrande was also part of the Australian Defence Force support team for the Sydney Olympics.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Group Captain Casagrande’s knowledge and experience assisting our Team,” said AOC President John Coates.

“The security of our athletes is paramount and having him with us in Turin is a great benefit in these dangerous times.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) played a key role in providing advice and assistance for us during the Athens Games and we appreciate their support again in Italy.”

At present the security risk assessed at the Turin Games is “medium”, similar to Sydney, Salt Lake and Athens.

DFAT has told the AOC there is no known security threat to the Games or any particular team taking part.

“Having the special “S” security accreditation will enable him to move freely around the venues and villages where our athletes will be competing and living,” said Australian Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman.

AOC