Valuable discussions had as the QPS hosts the Third Australasian Indigenous Family Violence Policing Conference

Minster for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP today joined Commissioner Ian Stewart as the Queensland Police Service hosted the Third Australasian Indigenous Family Violence Policing Conference (AIFVPC).

Leaders, health and well-being professionals, Indigenous Elders and police were invited by the QPS to attend and share anti-domestic violence strategies regarding families in Indigenous communities throughout Australia.

Delegates joined members of the QPS in Cairns from varying locations and agencies.

Those in attendance were a mixture of police, government agencies, non-government sector and community representatives from every state of Australia as well as New Zealand, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.

The aim and focus of the day was to discuss real, heartfelt and tangible solutions in a policing context to progress and improve possible responses.

Minister Mark Ryan commended those in attendance for their efforts in contributing to the conference.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people from so many different areas here discussing these important issues,” Minister Ryan said.

“This has been a great opportunity to share stories and experiences from a diverse group of people and will no doubt be beneficial in adapting strategies to assist those suffering in our communities.”

The conference saw six keynote presenters address those in attendance including; emcee Christine Anu, advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Professor Gracelyn Smallwood; psychologist Doctor Timothy White; Chief Executive for Community Justice Scotland, Karyn McCluskey; actress from ‘Once Were Warriors’, Mamaengaroa Pere; singer and song-writer Naomi Wenitong and Chief of the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Rob Davis.

These speakers were also accompanied by 20 break out presenters.

The conference began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Jeanette Singleton and also included a number of traditional Indigenous performances including one by the Lower Coastal Yidinji Dance Troupe.

Commissioner Stewart said he felt valuable discussions took place.

“An amazing collaboration of thoughts, ideas and strategies have gone on today,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It’s integral that we all work together on issues such as these, and today has been a great way for us all to do so.

“I look forward to seeing the impacts of our discussions in the near future.”

Ends

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444