Dr David Craig
Former Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent, Counter-Terrorism Investigator, Bestselling Author and Television Personality
Is as an exceptional leader who thrives under intense pressure - and his captivating story, shared with remarkable insight and humour, is showing others how they can excel in high pressure situations too. Having a lead role as the Chief Hunter on Network 10’s ‘Hunted Australia’, Dr. David Craig’s story is one of humble beginnings. From small-town farm boy to international undercover expert, to celebrated author and TV personality, his life is a fascinating journey of unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of justice.
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David Craig’s unconventional path growing up led him from failing high school to the depths of a coal mine where he experienced workplace physical abuse. It was during this time that his leadership skills were activated where at just 18 years old, he lead a strike which resulted in the offender being removed from the site and ultimately being jailed.
He then went on to the pinnacle of professional motorcycle racing, where he clinched numerous championships, claiming a world land speed record in the process.
However, it was his 22-year tenure with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that truly showcased his leadership abilities. Having uncovered a staggering $223 million worth of narcotics that had eluded the AFP’s detection, David Craig was exiled to the New South Wales Police Corruption Royal Commission. There, as a covert operative, he courageously exposed a corrupt cohort of more than 30 NSW police officers. Their ensuing prosecution for crimes ranging from heroin trafficking to armed robbery dominated national headlines.
Having achieved a Doctorate in Law focusing on covert operations, David Craig’s research into the world’s most advanced undercover programs became an international benchmark, and he became a founding architect of Australia’s inaugural international undercover program. He trained with agencies including the FBI, AFP and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and served with the UN in East Timor and NATO in Afghanistan.
One of David Craig’s most defining moments came as he led the international taskforce response to an anthrax attack on the Indonesian embassy. His adept handling of the situation, despite international political tensions, solidified his reputation as a calm and capable leader. Qualities instrumental to his success in leading the investigation into the 2005 Bali bombings, which resulted in a deadly confrontation with Southeast Asia’s most notorious terrorist mastermind.
During his law enforcement career, David Craig also provided personal protection (body guard) for Prime Ministers Hawke, Keating and Howard, and he has authored three bestselling books – ‘Unlocking Secrets’, detailing the art to detecting lies and uncovering hidden truths; ‘Lie Catcher’, which achieved international acclaim and global reproduction; and ‘Defeating Terror’, his gripping account of the Bali bombings investigation, which is set to be adapted into a major motion picture.
Topics
- Experiences as the Chief in ‘Hunted Australia’, leading multidisciplinary teams
- Experiences in Motor Racing
- Human lie detection in corporate environments
- Overcoming Adversity: From Failing High School to Standing up to Workplace Abuse at 18 years old
- Performance leadership in high pressure environments.
- Setting and relentlessly pursuing goals
