Over 1,000 to attend international women in policing conference
Over 1,000 delegates from nearly 60 countries will attend one of the world’s largest international conferences on women in law enforcement held in Cairns, Queensland, from September 17 to 21.
The 2017 International Women and Law Enforcement Conference is themed ‘Global Networks: Local Law Enforcement’ to celebrate the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities around the globe.
President of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Assistant Commissioner Deb Platz, said the conference will focus on the many emerging and complex challenges facing 21st century policing in a volatile world.
“The conference will provide an exciting opportunity for police and law enforcement partners to join our global community with a focus on enhancing and supporting women in law enforcement and other community protection roles,” Assistant Commissioner Platz said.
“Amongst many highlights will be an Australian Police Commissioners’ Panel, involving all the leaders of our state and territory police agencies who will share their insights, including the women who have influenced their lives and careers.”
Other key issues to be covered include: Indigenous policing; the changing role of women in law enforcement; managing domestic and family violence; modern day slavery; and police women in peacekeeping.
Some of the success of the conference is no doubt because of the efforts of conference patrons Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin. Bindi will host a special leadership afternoon for selected Cairns school girls.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the development of our children is critical to the future safety of our country.
“I hope some of them will join law enforcement agencies,” Commissioner Colvin said.
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Ian Stewart will get the conference off with a colourful start with an opening Parade of Nations in the heart of Cairns, starting at 8am, Monday September 18.
Commissioner Stewart said he is excited about showcasing Cairns to the international guests.
“The streets will be a flood of colours as members march behind their nation’s flag,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to get to know our officers and those from around the world.”
That evening the delegates will gather for the presentation of the 19th annual Australasian Council of Women and Policing Awards Dinner to celebrate and showcase the achievements of Australian law enforcement leaders to an international audience.
The full conference program is available on http://2017iwlec.com.au
Media contacts
ACWAP President Debbie Platz: 0402133009
QPS Police Media: (07) 3015 2444
AFP Media: (02) 61316333
Source: Cairns Crime Alert
