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Level 2, 310 King Street, Melbourne 3000 GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 Email: [email protected] All Advertising Enquiries: Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd The Journal for Women and Policing is published for the Australasian Council of Women and Policing Inc. ACWAP Membership is available from $50 per year. For more information please contact the Editorial Committee, www.acwap.com.au, PO Box 1485, Woden, ACT 2606, email [email protected] or phone 0418 362 031. Photos: All photos supplied by ACWAP Inc. (unless otherwise credited). Front cover Advertising: Advertisements in this journal Linda Champion, Commander, Australian Federal Police, Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa in are solicited from organisations and businesses front of London’s Iconic Tower Bridge. 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COMPENSATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION Due to the difficulties involved in checking 12 Analysis of predators leads to 56 Delivering inclusion by supporting SPECIALISTS sources NO responsibility is accepted for errors distinction in forensics women: NSW Police Force White or omissions although every effort to vet 14 OFFICERS DOWN…but not OUT Ribbon Accreditation Concerned about your SPECIALISTSentitlements to compensation, disability material is made. payment or superannuation? The editorials printed in this issue are the 18 Breaking through to new heights 57 Delivering inclusion by supporting Concerned about your entitlements to compensation, disability sole responsibility of the editor and are not 20 A first for the Northern Territory women: Northern Territory Police necessarily the views of the publisher or printer. Our team is professional,payment or experienced superannuation? and compassionate. Comments, opinions or suggestions of authors 22 Seeking curious minds 58 Delivering inclusion by supporting reflect their own views and do not necessarily 24 First female crash investigator women: Tasmania Police Our team is professional, experienced and compassionate. reflect the opinion of the editor, ACWAP Inc. or the publisher. It is not possible for this 25 An explosive forensic career 60 Western Australia Police celebrates publication to ensure that advertisements 26 Three careers in policing: And this contributions, milestones and Why not call us today? which are published in this publication is just the start its future Why not call us today? comply with all aspects of the Trade Practices Your first consultation is free. Act 1974 and the responsibility rests on the 28 Women at the helm of Cyprus 62 Celebrating 100 years of women in person, company or advertising agency who peacekeeping mission policing submitted the advertising for publication. Your first consultation is free. 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THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 1 REPORTS

President’s Report Debbie Platz President

elcome to this special edition cancer-the most common cancer in Likewise, mental illness is fraught with of the Australasian Council women in Australia. Every year 16,000 stigma and embarrassment. Often the Wof Women and Policing women are diagnosed with breast symptoms can be difficult to recognise (ACWAP) journal. cancer. The risk of being diagnosed by and people with mental illness often It's special for several reasons. Firstly, the age of 85 is 1 in 8 for women and 1 keep the illness to themselves. because it is printed specifically for in 631 for men. If caught early in 95 per Recognition that you suffer from family our International Women and Law cent of cases, patients where the cancer violence and/or mental illness shouldn’t Enforcement Conference in Cairns. is limited to the breasts will be alive be masked with hopelessness, but rather This combined conference is hosted by five years after diagnosis. For me this should be looked at with a sense of ACWAP, the International Association really brings home the importance of empowerment and control in order to of Women Police, and the Queensland self-checks and medical prevention. This make that positive step in seeking help. Police Service. As the conference sold journal has three stories of police women This special edition of the Journal will also out weeks ago, for those of you in who have survived a breast cancer outline information about who to seek attendance, I sincerely hope you enjoy diagnosis. Their stories, while all different, help from. the experience and take home valuable feature inspiring messages, reminding us Sometimes it’s just a friend’s shoulder information and ideas that can be shared that we need to be observant and keep that we need to lean on, and I encourage with the others who could not attend. ourselves healthy. I am also reminded in each and every one of you to remember I take this opportunity to thank the reading their articles of how important that you may be called on to be that great organising team of Carol, Julie, family and friends can be. friend and provide that shoulder. I Kim, Laura and Mel. Without them this Finally, this special edition also features hope no one is left feeling afraid or conference would not have occurred. articles on the topics of domestic and embarrassed to reach out and seek help, And thank you also to our platinum family violence, and mental wellbeing. whether formally or informally, when sponsors: CoffeeFruit and Triple Zero There is a lot of research suggesting and if the time comes. properties. that people don’t seek help for these I hope everyone enjoys the The second reason this is a special important issues. Violence in the home conference. I look forward to meeting edition is because it is a pink edition. is often underreported and still in many you there. Pink because of the focus on breast circumstances is considered a taboo subject. Take care. Debbie

2 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT REPORTS

Note from the Editor Julie Crabbe Editor

elcome to the special edition sure that it will with many of you. occasionally. These stressors affect of The Journal! I am very proud Due to unforeseen circumstances, different people in different ways. We Wof this special edition because Julie was unable to present at the understand the need for access to it celebrates the tenacity, resilience, 2017 International Women and Law resources that provide support and courage, and commitment of women in Enforcement Conference, however was advocate early intervention when feeling policing, both in their professional and elated that her story could be published a sense of helplessness, isolation, stress, personal lives. as a two-part series within The Journal. anxiety and/or contemplating suicide. The special feature in this issue Julie’s story, as with our other three In the centre of The Journal we have celebrates the growing number of articles on the courageous women a number of welfare cards for your women achieving great things in a surviving breast cancer, is an opportunity consideration. These cards have been broad range of policing disciplines. Their to highlight the universal need for published to provide you, our readers, a contributions are hard-earned, not just in emotional resilience. Managing stress on ready reference to available support services a physical sense but through dedication and off the job is crucial to emotional should you, a colleague or family member to their chosen fields given the huge health and wellbeing. need assistance. These cards can be carried in effort invested in making the grade. Achieving work-life balance is one of your notebook or wallet and we encourage The stories selected for this feature are the keys to managing modern workplace the circulation of these resources. also touching because they reveal deep stress. I have no doubt that many, if not Emotion is a powerful force; it can be a personal insights into the adversity and most, law enforcement officers and first driver or a destroyer. Understanding the obstacles many officers had to overcome responders would concede there are effects of your emotions is a must have to achieve their ambition, or survive times when our work and personal lives in every officer’s personal survival kit. It’s trauma arising from an incident in the field. intrude on one another…a sick child, important because YOU matter! A contribution from retired Tempe police an ageing parent, heavy workloads, an I hope you enjoy this special edition officer, Julie Werhnyak, is one such story. overworked husband, wife or partner and I would love to hear your thoughts on I met Julie at last year’s International who needs a little extra attention and our welfare cards or suggestions for future Association of Women Police Annual appreciation! topics/themes for The Journal! Please Training Conference in Barcelona. Competing demands can leave us contact me at [email protected] Her story resonated with me, as I am feeling exhausted and overwhelmed Take care and stay safe. Jules

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8 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

Breaking through: Stories of women in specialist roles

> Photo credit centre image: Natalie Bennett of Nat Benn Photography.

Women in law enforcement around the world are breaking new ground. Women are taking up specialist roles to respond more effectively to threats associated with international crime and terrorism. This special feature acknowledges the contributions of a handful of such officers applying their knowledge and skills in responding to, and resolving complex cases. Three Australian women police share career journeys that have taken them around the world. The challenges of policing abroad systems of governance and security inda Champion, Commander, is issues. All eight Posts are led by Senior currently based at the Australian Liaison Officers (SLOs) with extensive LFederal Police’s (AFP) London Post, investigative experience across crime within the Australian High Commission. types including terrorism, drugs, cyber, She is the Manager responsible for AFP fraud and child exploitation. operations and liaison in Europe, Africa With the rise of Daesh, and more and the Middle East. Her role involves recently their defeat in Mosul, the strategic engagement with policing commands, academics, think tanks, increasing risk of terror attacks both Non-Government Organisations, and the overseas and in Australia has been private sector, as well as representing the a keyfocus for many of my officers. AFP executive at international forums. The AFP has a vested interest in This is no small undertaking. As understanding and supporting joint Linda says, “I have eight AFP Posts law enforcement efforts across the under my command: Amman, Ankara, globe to help multiply efforts in Beirut, Belgrade, Dubai, The Hague, defeating terrorism. AFP members London and Pretoria. “These posts based in overseas posts share encompass 120 countries comprising information and criminal intelligence diverse cultures, religions, languages, with law enforcement partners

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 9 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

to improve crime detection and disruption efforts.” “With the rise of Daesh, and more recently their As regional manager, I engage with defeat in Mosul, the increasing risk of terror high levels of both foreign Government and law enforcement on terrorism and attacks both overseas and in Australia has transnational crime issues. Discussions range from interagency panels with been a key focus for many of my officers.” countries including Belgium, Germany, the UK and Turkey, through to meetings with impressive high-level women in the national security field including UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, National Crime Agency Director General Lynne Owens, and Sophie Hatt, the new Director of the International Department of the French Ministry of Interior.” “Aside from the formalities of meetings, my position also affords me the occasional opportunity to engage in other more hands-on activities. Working alongside my foreign police and military colleagues I have actively participated in law enforcement exercises, from playing a hostage on a ferry cruising up the Seine through to advanced driver training utilising ramming and other ambush evasion techniques. My geographically expansive role has given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and experience the diversity of > Commander Linda Champion with Superintendent Gonca Luleci, former OIC of Turkish National Police law enforcement across the globe.” International Relations in Istanbul. AFP Women specialising in counter terrorism off-shore Amman’s SLO, Anita Van Hilst, and London’s specialist Counter Terrorism Liaison Officer (CT LO) Gail McClure are two examples of the AFP’s strong female cohort.

MEET COUNTER-TERRORISM “It was humbling to be able to support LIAISON OFFICER, LONDON – GAIL MCCLURE the UK investigation into this dreadful Gail is the AFP’s CT LO in London and has responsibility for operational attack, in particular through facilitating engagement with law enforcement and identification of the Australian victims and security agencies within the UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland on CT and support to their families.” national security issues. Her role also extends into Europe in circumstances partners to support CT investigations, which and information sharing on CT and where operational engagement with have led to the disruption of planned national security. The information partners requires CT expertise. terrorist attacks in Australia. provided by our UK partners led to the Linda describes Gail’s responsibilities In particular, Gail worked with UK CT disruption of a terrorist act in Melbourne as managing and fostering productive working relationships with key CT agencies police colleagues to share information and almost certainly saved lives,” to support CT operational outcomes, that disrupted a planned attack on police said Linda. intelligence exchange and capacity building. during ANZAC Day events in April 2015. Similarly, given the increased CT Deployed to London in January 2014, Gail has “This investigation reinforces the convergences with UK and European worked closely with foreign law enforcement importance of international collaboration partners, Gail continues to facilitate

10 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

> Federal Agent Gail McClure discussing challenges for police in kidnap for ransom cases. > Gail McClure, Counter Terrorism Liaison Officer, London outside New Scotland Yard. numerous formal requests for foreign fighters travelling to Iraq and evidentiary material to support CT Syria to support Daesh. Located only prosecutions in Australia, UK and Europe. 100km from the Syrian border, is a logical Linda acknowledges the significance of location from which to monitor the this key role, emphasising that, “As CT movement of foreign fighters into and LO, it is rewarding to have contributed to out of the conflict zone. successful CT prosecutions through close Anita deployed to Jordan in January engagement with partners.” said Gail. 2017 with her husband and three young More recently, Gail worked closely with children. She works with a range of Australian government agencies > Anita Van Hilst, Senior Liaison Officer Amman with UK CT police colleagues following the Major General Ahmad Sarhan Al-Faqieh, Director tragic attack at London Bridge that made and foreign police services to share General, Public Security Directorate, Jordan. headlines worldwide on 3 June this year. information regarding activities of Two Australians were among the eight persons of interest in Iraq and Syria. victims. She travels to the conflict zone as “It was humbling to be able to required to collect evidence in support support the UK investigation into the of investigations. Linda concedes that attack, in particular through facilitating obtaining material from a war zone identification of the Australian victims in such a way that it can be used as and support to their families,” said Gail. evidence in an Australian prosecution is Gail’s husband, a fellow officer, extremely complex and challenging. accompanied her to London on her Anita admits that that the frequent > Anita Van Hilst with Brigadier General Hana posting, and whilst their posting has travel and demands of working at a Al-Afagani, Director Women’s Police Department, afforded significant career and personal single-person post can also take its toll: Public Security Directorate, Jordan. development opportunities, it has also “I am fortunate to have a supportive youth radicalisation. In addition to being among the top contributing “It can be complex and challenging work. countries for Daesh fighters, Jordan is Obtaining material from a war zone in such managing an estimated 1.3 million Syrian refugees who have fled as a result of a way that it can be used as evidence in an the conflict. Australian prosecution is extremely difficult.” “Jordanian law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to maintain the integrity of their borders and the safety of their allowed them to enjoy the benefits of partner who copes well both as a single citizens,” says Anita. “They live in the London’s proximity to Europe to travel parent when I’m required to travel, only relatively stable country in a very extensively in their downtime. and with me working in such a male- unstable region and their police services dominated environment like policing in are under constant pressure to maintain MEET SENIOR LIAISON the Middle East. On the plus side, we are that stability.” OFFICER, AMMAN, JORDON - only five hours from any city in Europe Through Anita, the AFP works ANITA VAN HILST which provides incredible opportunities cooperatively with Jordanian law Anita van Hilst is the AFP’s SLO at the for us as a family when I am able to enforcement agencies to share Australian Embassy in Amman, Jordan. take leave”. information and build capacity amongst The AFP opened an office in Jordan Jordan itself is dealing with significant Jordanian police to detect and disrupt in response to the issue of Australian issues around foreign fighters and potential terrorist threats.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 11 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES Analysis of predators leads to distinction in forensics Academic pursuits are not everyone’s cup of tea. But there are some whose passion for their field of study becomes their singular focus. This is certainly the case with Dr Sarah Yule whose fascination with forensics was rewarded with a key appointment.

r Sarah Yule is the New South Wales Police DForce Senior Forensic Psychologist and Manager of the Criminal Psychology Unit. She was the first person to be appointed to this unique role in Australian law enforcement. She has provided training to some 14,000 police and consulted on hundreds of investigations including high profile cases such as the Lin family murders, Gilham family murders, sexual murder of Leeton school teacher Stephanie Scott, re-investigation into the disappearance of Matthew Leveson, multiple serial sexual assault cases, and the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Kendall toddler, > Dr Yule addressing an audience at Yarramundi House, Police Leadership Centre, Richmond, NSW. Photo Credit: Stuart Marshall. William Tyrrell. In 2008 Dr Yule was awarded a Churchill Fellowship for her SETTING PROGRESSIVE GOALS psychology for investigations that had international research into Sarah Yule began her career advanced in other jurisdictions such as psychological techniques for specialisation in Corrective Services, the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. Whilst missing persons investigations, conducting assessments of sex offenders working in prisons, I spent my income and was awarded ‘highly and murderers, combining her research and holiday leave attending various commended’ in the Bev Lawson interests with fulltime practice. conferences and training programs Memorial Award in 2016. She Not one for taking shortcuts, during around the world to review differing has six specialised tertiary research into victim selection patterns approaches.” qualifications including her PhD for her first Masters degree, Sarah “I studied the ‘investigative which attracted a nomination interviewed every life-sentenced inmate psychology’ methodologies in the for a prestigious Outstanding in NSW at that time. UK and Europe with my psychologist Doctoral Thesis Award. Dr Yule explains, “My second Masters counterparts in those police agencies, thesis examined risk assessment of and the ‘Criminal Investigative Analysis’ sexual assaults from an investigative methodology of the USA and Canada perspective. These projects provided me (originally developed by the FBI and arah Yule has spent a lot of time in with an empirical foundation of Australian colloquially known as ‘profiling’) with prisons. Unlike the people behind bars, criminal behavioural patterns to current and former FBI Behavioural SSarah’s focus has been professional. complement my developing experience Analysis Units (BAU) agents.” With 20 years of experience under her belt, with direct offender assessment. This work presented Dr Yule with it is unlikely that her passion for forensic “I believed that Australia would an opportunity to train in ‘Criminal psychology will diminish. eventually follow the developments in Investigative Analysis’ with Roy

12 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

for their investigations, the Manager investigative purpose of a profile was referred these cases to me given typically focussed in the literature my forensic expertise in offender on its accuracy, measured once an behaviour and assessment,” says Dr offender has been identified through Yule. “Consequently, I was permitted to the traditional investigative process. undertake the assessments in my own Alternatively, the accuracy of the time in order to gain experience, which I profile should be assessed according very willingly undertook. Within a month to how it assisted in progressing the of my employment there, significant investigation. My belief that all of this cases came to me including Strike Force unit’s psychological services should (SF) Irondale (death of model Caroline add specific value and direction to > Dr Yule and the late Mr Roy Hazelwood, retired Byrne at the Gap), SF Tuno (investigation investigative strategies. FBI profiler, in Virginia USA. Mr Hazelwood was into the murder of Terry Falconer), and The psychological products had to a source of inspiration for Dr Yule and a greatly valued mentor and friend. SF Barrabaroo (Gilham family murders) be valid and reliable as appropriate which provided invaluable opportunities for an expert by documenting the to apply varied psychological techniques evidence, empirical basis, and reasoning Hazelwood, a retired FBI profiler for these investigations.” for the opinion, and defensible in and pioneer of those techniques, in In 2005, the then Crime Management court given that some psychological Amsterdam in 2001. Faculty advertised the psychologist assessments may be relevant for that “A few years later Roy invited me to position that had been created in purpose. Indirect assessments (based on attend the new comprehensive two- recognition of the need for investigators investigative file information) need not stage program of ‘Criminal Investigative to obtain behavioural and psychological be assumed less accurate than direct Analysis’ training he and his colleagues expertise to expand their understanding assessments (traditional psychological had developed, which I attended in of offenders and assist with strategies interviews) given the often unreliable Virginia in 2004 and 2005. As the only and interview techniques. information offered by the offenders participant outside of the US and Canada Dr Yule was selected to manage and themselves, and could even be argued to for their inaugural courses, it was a develop the new services, termed the be less subjective. wonderful experience which resulted ‘Behavioural Science Team’. In what Dr Yule concedes that some of the in an enduring mentor relationship and later became the Commissioner’s Executive level confusion that needed friendship with Roy, a true ‘southern Inspectorate, the team evolved to to be addressed initially was that, from gentleman’ who sadly passed away comprise two unsworn forensic the perspective of methodology, much in 2016. He was an inspiration and a psychologists with Kim Ora selected in of the published literature mistakenly pivotal character in my career, given his 2007. The team was ultimately re-located focussed on competitive debates about passion for teaching and research, his to Forensic Services Group where it ‘which international model was best’, expertise despite his humble nature, his remained until 2016. assuming a ‘one size fits all’ approach, support for my work and his unfailing instead of recognising the benefits of encouragement.” THE CHALLENGES OF each directly applicable to their own CREATING NEW EXPERT jurisdictions. CAREER BOOST - FROM SERVICES “There was clearly a need to ASSESSING SEX OFFENDERS Despite the challenges associated with demonstrate the broader range of TO UNDERCOVER COPS developing new services for NSWPF, available psychological services, as well After five years working in a mainstream Dr Yule relished the opportunity to as the important distinction between prison Dr Yule was seconded to the Sex introduce an empirically, ethically and the need for the FBI-originated model Offender Treatment Program, a move professionally sound methodology. in the North American context and that was invaluable in developing her “The public perception of ‘profiling’, the needs of police investigations specialised assessments. A year later, largely based upon fictional media within the Australian (specifically NSW) when staffing shortages required her to representations of the FBI approach as policing jurisdiction. Legal differences return to her substantive prison position, well as significant flaws in the published also impacted on the applicability here she realised that she had reached a literature on the topic, impacted to of some of the methods applied in the learning plateau and joined the NSW a degree on police attitudes as well,” United States. Police Force Psychology Section. she explains. “There was an ongoing “In the USA, there are so many “Initially I was tasked with conducting need, particularly in the early years, to jurisdictions with much smaller ‘fitness for duty’ assessments and having address myths about ‘criminal profiling’, geographic areas relative to the responsibility for the welfare monitoring highlighting the varied techniques that Australian context. It has been estimated and psychological selection processes psychology can bring to investigations, that more than half of the US law of covert units. This provided me with and to ‘professionalise’ these services. enforcement agencies comprise fewer a useful introduction into the police “Certainly ‘criminal profiles’ (the likely than 10 officers. The expertise provided context generally, as well as in the covert characteristics of an unknown offender) by specialists such as the impressive investigative strategies that I would later were over-emphasised in the published FBI’s BAUs greatly assist these agencies consult for, in my current role. literature. In most investigations, there is in responding to cases of significant “As this unit was, at that time, an identified primary suspect and there or unusual violence or sexual crimes. the only avenue for investigators to are many other psychological products With both psychologists trained in enquire about psychological expertise that can be provided. Historically, the the American model, Dr Yule’s team

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 13 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

incorporates the strong research Australia’s own offender typologies, commitment extended to supporting component and offender typologies profile characteristics and behavioural women in developing their careers in law of that approach but within their linkage patterns.” enforcement. Structured Professional Judgement “I am most proud of creating evidence- methodology that is current best RECENT DEVELOPMENTS based expertise that did not previously exist practice within forensic psychology. This After re-locating into State Crime Command within NSWPF, of demonstrating through the addressed the identified gap in NSW in 2016, the team was re-launched as contributions made to these investigations investigative needs for psychological the ‘Criminal Psychology Unit’ to enable the value of civilian expertise in support assessments to assist in understanding police to more easily understand its of police operations, and of the strong a wide range of offender behaviours. purpose and expertise. Overwhelming professional relationships built with my “The limitations of the published demand continues from major crime client base. Of course, there are challenges literature in this field sparked my desire investigations and other high risk areas for in promoting the capabilities of this in- to undertake a PhD to clarify myths law enforcement, such as threat assessment house expertise and obtaining adequate about ‘profiling’ and psychology for (CT, DV) and sex offender assessment. resourcing to meet demand,” Dr Yule says. investigations, and generate Australian Dr Yule acknowledges the support “However, the uniqueness of every behavioural crime data relating to of Assistant Commissioner Karen case referral provides the continual serial sexual crimes against strangers Webb, who, as a former Detective learning environment in my current from the investigative perspective. My Superintendent and formal mentor, role, and the opportunity to work doctoral research enhanced our police provided her with invaluable experience with dedicated investigators to training and investigative consultations and advice in the progression of her resolve serious crimes provides the in sexual crimes by identifying Unit. Assistant Commissioner Webb’s continuing motivation.”

OFFICERS DOWN… but not OUT On 18 January 2016, Queensland Policewomen Jemma Spowart and Bridie Manson commenced an eight-week Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) Entry Course. PSRT Team members patrol the streets as first responders to community violence and critical incidents. Historically the unit has been male-dominated but Jemma and Bridie have joined the increasing number of women in this crack unit. Like most men, Jemma and Bridie started the course with their own fears and insecurities. However, the professional commitment and personal courage that brought these women to their initial PSRT training is truly inspirational. These are their stories…

Brad Doolan Sergeant, Public Safety Response Team, Queensland Police Service

14 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

MEET SENIOR CONSTABLE door jamb briefly before reversing. As severe lacerations and bruising all over JEMMA SPOWART Jemma gathered her composure she my body. The Doctors initially had a On the night of the 8 September 2013, noted that the driver’s door of the stolen fairly grim prediction for my future. I whilst working in the Inala Division in vehicle was open. She moved forward, was basically told my career as a Police Brisbane, an urgent call was heard over thinking he too had fled on foot…but this Officer could be over… I would never run, the radio…”OFFICER DOWN”. assumption became the moment when participate in heavy training or do any of This call arose from Jemma having things went from bad to worse. the physically demanding activates that located a stolen vehicle in one of Brisbane’s The driver was still in the car and, as I love. southern suburbs, a suburb unhappily Jemma went to grab him, he again hit the As Jemma recalls, this was extremely familiar to both police and insurance accelerator, this time in reverse. Jemma was challenging for her, both physically and companies. When police went to now trapped, trying to run with the car emotionally. Confined to a wheelchair, intercept the vehicle, they had to pull in for as long as she could before falling. her spirit was broken at first. After only two front of it to prevent the likelihood of the Jemma was dragged 30 metres by the weeks, something inside changed and offenders speeding off. Jemma’s partner speeding stolen vehicle, her back and legs she knew her time was not over. Jemma took off on foot, chasing a passenger continually dragging on the bitumen road. wrote herself a list of things to achieve. The who had fled the scene. When the vehicle changed direction, Jemma first items were to do a star jump or a push As Jemma was getting out of the landed free in the gutter… “OFFICER DOWN”. up, the last item was to get into the PSRT. passenger seat of the police vehicle, “My injuries included thirteen fractured Slowly her body healed. Slowly she the driver of the stolen vehicle rammed vertebrae in my neck and spine, two started ticking the little things off her the police car, trapping Jemma in the severe muscle tears in my right shoulder, list. In 2015, she enrolled in the 12 week Maxine Shape Up Challenge, and over the following 12 weeks she put everything into it. From only being able to complete a single push up on her knees, Jemma completed the challenge with a solid 30 push ups on her toes, the minimal requirement for selection into PSRT. From being unable to walk, Jemma finished with a level 9 on the beep test, another requirement for her dream job in PSRT. Jemma’s determination also saw her win 2nd place in Australia in the competition. She is now featured on the Maxine’s range of protein bars; a poster > Top: PSRT Officers Jemma Spowart and Bridie Manson Photo Credit: Grant Marshall, Constable, PSRT, QPS. girl for other women wanting to improve > Above: Training hard Photo Credit: Grant Marshall, Constable, PSRT, QPS. their health and fitness forever.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 15 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

> Constable Jemma Spowart, PSRT, QPS Photo Credit: Grant Marshall, Constable, PSRT, QPS.

MEET CONSTABLE BRIDIE “I thought to myself, everyday, if I just aim to That fateful year, a particular person of MANSON give every job I go to, or anything I do, 110% interest had drawn Bridie’s attention - a Constable Bridie Manson commenced it might lead me to my dream position as violent male with an extensive history of training at the Queensland Police Academy a member of the PSRT. I never once told drug trafficking, motorcycle gang links, in 2011. She recalls watching the PSRT people I’m going to go to PSRT one day, and assault and weapon charges. And so, on the oval from her classroom window. I just kept my goal to myself and set out Bridie committed to shutting this POI down They were conducting shield training, to achieve it. I knew it was going to be alongside her team and Supervisor Sergeant and she clearly remembers thinking, ‘I hard, but I also knew it wasn’t impossible.“ Leigh McGuinness. As Bridie worked up the want to be out there one day, doing that!’ In 2013, as a young constable stationed brief, followed her leads and executed search Discussions with colleagues would tell in the battle-hardened Brisbane suburb of warrants, eventually it all came to a head. The POI bailed Bridie up, and in an instant her it’s so hard to get a position like that, Logan, Bridie had the determination and said words that shook her world, “If you go it’s a ‘boys club’ and you’re not really built tenacity to give every job a go. She loved ahead with the charges I’ll come after you...” for it, you’re too short and skinny and the Logan Police Division; it gave her “Honestly it was the worst thing he could not strong enough. every kind of challenge a young Constable have ever done to himself saying that to But Bridie nursed her secret goal, could want, and she loved working in a me. I saw it as a challenge and I wasn’t determined to prove them wrong: proactive enforcement strategy team. going to shy away from it; if anything, I was out to prove I wasn’t going to back down “Discussions with fellow colleagues would and I made it my goal to find even more substantial evidence which would tie my POI tell her it’s so hard to get a position to the crimes I knew he had committed”. like that, it’s a ‘boys club’ and you’re Bridie’s resolve never wavered. She pushed back harder, working not really built for it, you’re too short around the clock to put him away, still executing search warrants on him and and skinny and not strong enough.” interviewing him. In December 2013 the

16 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

> Constable Bridie Manson of the PSRT, QPS. Photo > Constable Jemma Spowart and Constable Bridie Manson Photo Credit: Grant Marshall, Constable, PSRT, QPS. Credit: Grant Marshall, Constable, PSRT, QPS.

POI was found guilty of drug trafficking sneaking into containment positions Since that time, many women have and an extensive list of other charges. at a critical incident, hunting a stolen proudly donned the PPE of the PSRT He received an eight-year custodial vehicle or standing behind a riot shield including Jackie Witham who served sentence. whilst hell is being rained upon them, as the Officer in Charge. The overt In the years following, and with the these two women have stood fast presence of women in the unit has seen same resolve shown in that job, Bridie to the very end on every occasion, that role-modelling continue to the went after a position in the PSRT and without a backward step or a moment present day. has become one of its most determined of weakness. I am personally proud to Role models are essential in promoting team members. A notable achievement be able to witness these two women a particular career and the more women given the short duration of her career in action.” such as Inspector Jackie Witham and within the Queensland Police Service . Inspector Joe Whyte, Specialist Services Senior Sergeants Fiona Hayes, Lukia On completion of the course, both Group (SSG) concurs with this view, Serafim and Leonie Scott who represent women took up duty in Team 4 as full adding: “Both Jemma and Bridie uphold units such as the PSRT, the more others time members of the PSRT. the standards required and stakeholder will want to follow in their footsteps. Sergeant Doolan, their Team Leader, expectations as members of the Public As Superintendent Fleming said, “I’m spoke of his impressions, “Having Safety Response team, professional, safe, extremely proud of all female officers managed these two officers for the last responsible and tactically sound.” within SSG; they have my full support. two years, I have been witness to two Women are still under-represented They demonstrate commitment, tenacity exceptional Police Officers. Time and in some specialist units of policing in and professionalism at the highest levels. time again, they have proven that you Australia. The PSRT of the Queensland They are a reflection of women across don’t have to be the stereotype in order Police Service has had female members our organisation and show how this role to succeed in this particular specialist for decades, leading the way in can be performed by anyone willing to world. The PSRT prides itself on team, promoting equality in the front line. The commit to excellence, push themselves, work ethic and discipline, and these PSRT has been in place on a full-time learn new skills, embrace change and officers hold those qualities in spades. basis since 1994 and the first woman effectively engage in a dynamic and ever Whether its opening barricaded doors, was on the team in that inaugural year. changing environment.”

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 17 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

> First Class Constable Elisha Vines at the helm. > Preparing to fly. Breaking through to new heights Peter Field Corporate Communications Branch, Western Australia Police

f there’s one thing First Class the office was like, and must admit I quickly as was reasonable so I could get Constable Elisha Vines thrives on it’s a thoroughly enjoyed it. The Operations back to the hospital.” Ichallenge – and being told she would Manager and one of the Tactical Flight “A number of weeks later I found out probably never work at Western Australia Officers were inviting and encouraged I had actually done quite well and was (WA) Police Air Wing was exactly the Elisha to ‘go for it’ when the opportunity offered a place at Air Wing, going from motivation she needed to get there! arose. An EOI came out a couple of my current part-time position to a full- “I had an interest in Air Wing even months after the visit. time position with 10 days to arrange before joining WA Police in October “Having been called up for testing, child care!” 2008,” Vines said. “Going through the I could finally see the potential for my “So, my dream job became a reality, Academy I was told by more than one dream to become a reality – only to but I’d be lying if I said there hadn’t person that the Air Wing was one work have what I thought were my chances been some challenges – not least of area no female would ever get to. That dashed at the last hurdle.” which involved babysitting issues, but planted a seed that made it the one “On the night before my test, my I haven’t looked back since pulling on place I WOULD endeavour to work son become extremely unwell – so the overalls and absolutely love it here. during my career. So, when I returned unwell he ended up in hospital around The guys have all been fantastic and are to work after having my son in January 4.00am. Suffering from a severe lack fully accepting of WAPOL’s first female 2016, I decided I would start training in of sleep and dealing with the stress crewman. I have felt like I fitted in from the hope EOIs would come up within of the night’s events, I was given the day one and continually look forward to the next two years and I could submit an opportunity to postpone the testing. the challenges ahead.” application. (I had previously only seen Although tired, I decided to do it “Maybe growing up with my dad, as positions at Air Wing advertised a couple anyway and use it as a learning curve an only child, helped me to make the of times during my career). for my next attempt. Everyone was transition into a male dominated area, “I even went for a tour to have a really supportive of the situation and but my story proves if you want it badly look around and see what the feel of pushed me through the testing as enough, you can make it happen!”

18 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT National Police Remembrance Day

A memorial service to honour Australian Police Officers who have been killed in the line of duty. 4.30pm, 29 September 2017 For more information: National Police Memorial, npm.org.au Kings Park, Canberra BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES A first for the Northern Territory

After nearly twenty years in the job, Sergeant Renae McGarvie has travelled all over the Northern Territory. However, her arrival in Wurrumiyanga last year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding.

> Renae with her daughter Anika and the footy training girls in Wurrumiyanga. > Wurrumiyanga from the air.

n a first for the Northern Territory, TRADITIONALLY, INDIGENOUS coach for the Tiwi Island Youth Girls under this remote community, on the MEN HAVE THE LEADERSHIP 15s and under 18s. This has strengthened Isouthern coast of Bathurst Island, ROLES – HAS IT BEEN DIFFICULT relationships with all the families some 80km North of the capital city TO GAIN COMMUNITY participating and been really positive. of Darwin, is manned by three female SUPPORT AS A FEMALE Outside of work hours, I spend time with police officers. AND THE HIGHEST RANKED the old ladies and families. I take them out The 2500 population are AUTHORATIVE FIGURE? bush and just sit with them and take time to predominantly Indigenous Australians Yes and no, communication is the absolute listen to their stories, which are fascinating. with health, education and government key! I have requested a male officer to I have run a community safety poster workers on the island. search our male offenders, which are 90% competition at the school and regularly attend Sergeant McGarvie has had her of our offenders, with many remanded in school assemblies and spend time with the fair share of challenges and rewards custody requiring overnight prisoner watch. kids so they feel safe reporting to police. in her time managing staff across After 19 years in the job you know three generations and ensuring the the right people to talk to. I sought WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST community are engaged. out the main man with authority and EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD IN Diversity Manager for the NT Police, respect in the community and gained his WURRUMIYANGA? Fire and Emergency Services, Bec Forrest support so I am backed up in times of The Christmas Day church service with chats with Renae about this unique trouble. Showing respect by listening to the Tiwis celebrating family and fellowship remote policing role. complaints and negotiating a resolution was great. Seeing all the families together that is acceptable to all parties involved smiling and being thankful for what they WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY has helped navigate challenging waters. have regardless of their circumstances ENTAIL IN WURRUMIYANGA? was truly moving. Working night shift last Anything and everything from attending WHAT ARE SOME OF New Year’s I attended the community disco domestic incidents, liquor and drug THE INITIATIVES YOU’VE and was invited to be a part of the midnight checks at the airport and ferry arrivals. IMPLEMENTED ON THE celebrations, throwing flour and eggs at the We deal with a number of social order GROUND TO ENGAGE WITH locals. The community loved it as we are the offences with fighting occurring after COMMUNITY? first police ever to get amongst this tradition. the Nguiu Club closes. We also do As soon as I arrived here I found that Motor Vehicle Registrations, approve there was really nothing happening for WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST and process liquor permits, respond to kids and the community. I put word out DIFFICULT ASPECT OF property offending and, of course, talking to all the young girls and teenagers and WORKING REMOTE? with the locals and having fun as much arranged footy training a few days a week Coming to the realisation I can’t do as possible! and then became the official community everything! I’ve needed to be realistic about

20 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALISTFEATURE ROLES STORY

> Wurrumiyanga footy team heading to Darwin on the ferry. > Making pandanus baskets with the Wurrumiyanga ladies. achieving outcomes, especially working possibly deceased, and an unknown shooter. specialist services from Darwin and most with other stakeholders where there’s a lot The call came in on a public phone of all reassure and support the offending of talk and not a lot of action. It is frustrating with little detail. I responded with my and victims’ families to mitigate when a community gets a decent members to a community I had never ‘payback’ retribution later. Thankfully amount of funding but money is not been to, no communications en route both males, aged 15 and 19, survived spent on important services such as mental and minimal information. the shooting. health services, youth suicide intervention We drove into an unknown high-risk and support for families in crisis. situation with an unknown offender with WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA? Just two weeks after arriving, I responded a firearm and possibly two dead bodies. “Treat others as you expect to be to the most harrowing and scary situation It turned out to be a 12yr-old boy with treated”. It has served me well and by of my career. I was called on duty on a a shot gun who accidently shot his own active listening and respecting others, I Sunday as shots had been fired at the Ranku cousins inside his house. The injured have been fortunate not to have been community, some 60km away on a dirt males were care flighted from scene and assaulted seriously or had any real issues. road. It was reported there were two victims, I had to set up a crime scene, call for I still love my job after all this time!!

Offi ce of the Chief Minister Northern Territory Government of Australia

Level 5, Parliament House, Darwin NT 0800 Ph: 08 8936 5500

Proud to support our Police Women & the Pink Ribbon Foundation

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 21 FEATUREBREAKING STORY THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

Seeking curious minds Victoria Police Technical Surveillance Unit – there’s never been a better time for women specialising in law enforcement

Andrew Atkinson Inspector, Victoria Police Technical Surveillance Unit

> Top left: Operator A with a Camera. > Top right: Operator B Briefing. > Above left: Operator B Fitness. > Above right: Operator A Firearm.

ustralian policing is increasingly roles in police specialist areas once The Victoria Police Technical seeing women entering non- dominated by men. Surveillance Unit (TSU) is a covert group Atraditional specialist policing roles. Employment inclusion programs that provides sensitive and critically West Australia Police Bomb Response deliver improved policing and public valuable intelligence and evidence Unit’s Sergeant Jodie Pearson is an safety outcomes. The evidence speaks – both essential in modern policing. ACWAP Bev Lawson Memorial recipient. for itself. One challenge to improving The TSU supports most major criminal Jodie is a pioneer and internationally inclusion programs is generating investigations within Victoria and holds recognised leader in her field. She has interest by women about joining specific responsibilities within the inspired women to advance leadership specialist areas. Australian Counter Terrorist community.

22 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALISTFEATURE ROLES STORY

> Operators A and B Photography. > Operator B Camouflage.

Superintendent Mick Hermans is to law enforcement, is impacted by this field either has, or will be, computer in charge of the Surveillance Services sexism, unconscious or sub-conscious based in some way. I was not shy around Division which includes the physical and bias, negative stereotypes, perceptions a computer but I did spend a little time technical disciplines of surveillance. In of capability; and most alarmingly, poor brushing up on these skills.” describing the TSU role, Mick says, management attitudes. Operator B sees her experience as “We manage most aspects of The TSU’s Inspector Chris Murray different. “As a detective, my work area used technical surveillance involving recognises the need to actively recruit the services of the TSU a number of times. listening, optical and tracking devices. female applicants. He delivers targeted They operated covertly and kept such a low Our operatives covertly deploy and information sessions to talk through the profile yet their results were critical to retrieve devices. Importantly, they also job and to help people decide on whether our investigations. Basically, I was at a time build test and control the product. It or not the job is for them. The fitness in my life where I needed a new challenge is a very demanding, hands-on and requirement is general and TSU make sure so I simply thought I would try out.” exhilarating role.” applicants are comfortable working at Operator B was not successful at her Mick Hermans says there are two heights and in confined spaces. first attempt though kept trying. “I was women in VicPol’s TSU and hopes to TSU applicants progress though given very good developmental advice attract more women to the role. “We psychometric testing that includes and was encouraged to return. Since have two women on our team who are assessment modules on abstracts and joining I have not stopped learning. valued members and I make no secret mechanics. This screening is gender neutral Basically, all applicants are different; we that I’d like to attract more. Traditionally and influential on the selection processes. have varying strengths and evolving we don’t attract a lot of interest from The TSU selection process is, quite needs and the office caters to this.” female members and we’re looking at rightly, confidential. Applicants are As a single mother of three, Operator how we can change this.“ he says. assessed against a wide range of B juggles the demands of parenthood Like surveillance and other specialist scenarios where their performance with her specialist role. “Yes, this is a areas, technical surveillance capabilities and response is validated against the challenge and would be in any workplace. are valuable and transferrable skills. psychological and psychometric tests. We receive a range of financial allowances Trained operatives create enhanced The TSUs female operators’ A and B have to compensate short notice rostering opportunities for law enforcement different backgrounds in policing though are and occasional long shifts so I made a careers and roles around the world. both highly valued members of the team. commitment knowing this. It is made Superintendent Mick Hermans notes Operator A joined the TSU five years easier for me because I have a very solid the historical practice to recruit from ago after working in undercover policing support base at home and my team is also trades that tended to be male dominant. and in general duties at a busy inner very supportive and very flexible.” she says. He says that this is no prerequisite to suburban police station. Detective Inspector Murray sees the good technical operatives. “We look Operator B worked as a detective for most value in improved workplace equity for naturally inquisitive members that of her career intertwined with her other and inclusion. “TSU assessments and have high levels of fluid intelligence and important role as a single mother of three. recruiting processes are not changing, adaptability. This simply means they are Operator A loves her role at TSU and just our efforts to connect with a greater trainable and can think on their feet! They says “I saw it as a natural fit after my talent pool” he says. do not need trade or IT qualifications; time working undercover? I was very The face of policing is changing. TSU just the aptitude to mechanically reason comfortable with my hands-on skills; is looking for capable and motivated through problems” he says. Yes, I love home renovating, but I just members to get on board. What better Recruiting to specialist technical needed a little more time understanding time to try than the 100-year celebration occupations, both within and external basic IT. Essentially most hardware within of women in policing in Victoria.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 23 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES First female crash investigator Kelly Cordwell joined the Traffic Section after five years of general duties policing. She wasn’t the first or only female to join the Traffic Section. Four years later her passion and commitment saw her become the first female investigator to join the Crash Investigation Service. This is her story.

Kelly Cordwell Crash Investigation Services, Tasmania Police

joined Tasmania Police on 30 March, 1998. After graduation, I spent the Ifirst five years working in general duties (uniform) before transferring to the traffic section in 2003. At the time, I was the only female in the section and it remained that way for a number of years. I wasn’t the first female to work in traffic but it seemed that it was not a popular position amongst the ladies. It didn’t occur to me that it was unusual or that I may not be suitable for the position as a woman. It was where I wanted to work so I applied for the position. In 2007, I joined Crash Investigation Services. It was later that I realised I was the first female to work in the section for Tasmania Police. I was > Kelly Cordwell Photo Credit: Robin Wilson. fortunate to have a good mentor in Sergeant Carrick; he basically chose me investigate crashes from start to finish. that are better suited to some people for the role. Another aspect is that you never know than others. This may be due to your I don’t believe I have ever been treated what you may attend. The attached life experiences, interests or skills. Not any differently by Tasmania Police picture is a good example. I had no idea everyone is interested in attending because I’m female. I know that other at the start of the day that I would be crashes and I certainly understand that. jurisdictions have women working in attending a chopper crash in the middle I often get asked about conducting the Crash Unit. I’m not sure why I’m the of a bush fire. media interviews. It would appear that only female in our State but I don’t really As with any job, it takes time to I have unwittingly become a familiar give it much thought. The members of acquire the skills to undertake the role. face on the statewide 6 o’clock news. my office don’t treat me any differently I still encounter situations that are I blame my Sergeant for that, mostly because I’m female. We all do the intimidating or unfamiliar but I muddle as he doesn’t like doing interviews. I’m same work. my way through and I have a good team no expert by any means but here are I have remained in this role for 10 to back me up when I need help. my tips: years and still enjoy the work. I’m not My view is that is you have a job in I always ask the media what they want particularly mathematically minded but mind and you believe you have the to know and then I prepare my notes I didn’t let that stop me applying for the skills to undertake the job then don’t let accordingly; I avoid “police speak” at all job. On occasion, I have encountered self-doubt stop you from pursuing your costs, it just sounds awkward and the people external to the organisation who dream. Certainly don’t let anyone else general public don’t relate to it. Keep have tried to treat me like an ill-informed tell you that a role isn’t for you based on it simple and to the point; and most woman who hasn’t got a clue about their perception of you, your skill level importantly, if you make a mistake or cars. These people are quickly put back and particularly not your gender. you’re not happy with a section of the in their place. The best part about being Regardless whether your’re male or interview ask the reporter if you can do in crash investigation is that I attend and female, there are jobs within policing it again.

24 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES An explosive forensic career As a 16-year-old attending an all-girls school, Sarah Benson really didn’t know what she wanted to study at university or beyond. That all changed when representatives from New South Wales Police visited the school to talk about possible career paths.

Doctor Sarah Benson Australian Federal Police, Chief Forensic Scientist

ne of the officers spoke about forensics, and I was fascinated “O by the idea that I could apply science in a real-world situation. That really grabbed me,” Doctor Benson said. “I was never the star of my class, and in fact chemistry was not something I naturally excelled at. But I was gripped by the idea of forensics and just used that passion to keep trying. I worked very hard to pursue my goals, and ended up doing a degree that focused in part on analytic chemistry. After being awarded a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Forensics through the University of Technology in Sydney, I started working with the AFP.” Later, the AFP sponsored Dr. Benson’s PhD, which focused on how to determine the source of explosives. These qualifications have taken her to some unusual and dangerous places, including the Southern Philippines, where “Finding your passion and working she helped police use forensic techniques to identify and investigate the origins of really hard to achieve your goals will explosives. Then, in 2014, Dr. Benson led the forensics teams investigating the crash of go a long way.” Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in the Ukraine. “For me, to be involved in that a long time. It’s important to acknowledge women who are determined to follow investigation at a leadership level, that different situations need different their dreams, is remarkably pragmatic. rather than at the coalface, was quite a responses, and that there are different types “Finding your passion and working challenging time,” she said. “I needed to of resilience. I think MH17 showed me really hard to achieve your goals will go a step up to achieve Australian Government that being a leader in a tough situation long way,” she said. and international objectives, as well as takes a different toll on you than being “Building a supportive peer network, providing support and leadership to my the person on the ground. Both require being able to acknowledge when things teams. The people I was responsible different types of resilience and fortitude.” are tough, and looking for opportunities for were doing an exceptional and It’s this type of attitude that has taken and ways to learn from those tough remarkable job as part of an incredibly Dr. Benson out of her comfort zone on situations is also really important. It can be sensitive, sad and complex operation.” numerous occasions. Eventually, this has difficult, but understanding what you want, “People speak of resilience as being about brought the self-confessed introvert who and what steps are needed to get there, bouncing back from tough times. I don’t wants to work on the science in a quiet gives you a degree of control over your really think it’s about immediately being space into a prominent leadership role, own destiny. We don’t need to feel guilt able to return to who you were. For me, where she is often seen as a role model about how we manage our day-to-day resilience is about being able to rebuild. It’s for gender equality. And in that role, her lives, just because others don’t manage about finding a way forward; and it can take advice to other women in policing, or other theirs in the same way.”

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 25 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

Three careers in policing: And this is just the start Smart, accomplished and a presence that’s hard to ignore. Senior Sergeant Kelly Gooden is currently delivering the next generation of drug and alcohol testing vehicles as part of the Victoria Police strategy to save lives and deliver improved road safety outcomes. Her career is diverse, interesting and inspirational.

Philip Green Superintendent, Victoria Police

elly awoke on 12 October 1988 Kelly decided then and there that she two grandchildren later, they’re still going to the tragic news of the double wanted to make a difference and applied strong and contributing to a growing Kpolice murder of Constables Steve that day. She started training at the Victoria family dynasty within Victoria Police. Tynan and Damian Eyre. Both were from Police Academy on 19 December that year. Kelly says that her life seemed turbo Prahran police station where her sister Kelly met her husband whilst training at charged. It was two months from was working as a probationary constable. the Academy. 28 years, five children and applying to starting at the Academy

26 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

firearms portfolio holder for Victoria Police. Her achievements led to Kelly being a finalist for ACWAP’s Bev Lawson memorial award in 2016. Kelly’s career in at OSTT extended to her being part of the active armed offender training program that included travel around Australia. She received a Commendation for her work on the Victoria Police program and discovered a keen interest in the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). The Victoria Police CIRT provides a highly-trained rapid response capability with specialist equipment and training. The physical and psychological requirements for CIRT are understandably demanding. Kelly developed a plan, bought a chin- > Kelly’s promotion to a management position is a world away from the Critical Incident Response Team. up bar and put it in her the kitchen doorway. “Whenever I walked past, I made myself attempt a chin-up” “At 45, a mother of five and she says. At 45, a mother of five and grandmother of two, Kelly Gooden grandmother of two, Kelly Gooden became the second ever female became the second ever female sergeant at CIRT. She was also the oldest to have qualified and the only sergeant at CIRT. She was also the grandmother. oldest to have qualified and the only Kelly’s managers describe her as an effective and committed leader. She grandmother.” was upgraded to a managerial role at the CIRT and encouraged to apply for promotion. “The biggest blockers were and by 19 she was pregnant with bad, form part of who she is today. the voices in my own head” says Kelly. her first child. She returned to work She also recognises the importance “Unlike the rest of my career, it took four months after the birth and kept of workplace inclusion, support and some positive self-talk for me to realise on going. respect programs. it was OK to have a crack. I’m so glad Kelly’s husband Jim was diagnosed Policing was a different place in the that I did.” 1980’s – there were far less women with PTSD and is still working to recover. In January 2017, Kelly Gooden for a start. A lot of people frowned on Jim was ill-health retired from Victoria successfully applied for a senior sergeant two women working the van – except Police and so Kelly headed back to position at Road Policing Drug and on Wednesdays which was the police the workforce. “I couldn’t even get a Alcohol Section (RPDAS). In addition to football competition day. Kelly loved job at Bunnings” she says of her first running alcohol screening and booze these Wednesdays when women would applications. bus deployment across Victoria, Kelly is work hard to solve jobs and arrest In 2010, Kelly successfully applied currently working on delivery of the next offenders – Wednesdays delivered great for a Public Service position at Victoria generation of road safety vehicles and public safety outcomes! Police Recruiting and was soon technology to save lives on our roads. Children kept coming. Number two at managing the induction and panel Policing to home motherhood to age 22, three at age 26, four at 34 and the portfolios. Working with police and public service to policing. Kelly Gooden fifth at age 36. Kelly tried different career applicants, Kelly realised she had a lot has redefined the diversity and the opportunities including surveillance and more to offer as a sworn officer and re- opportunity found in policing. Her supervisory roles before resigning to joined in 2011. career coaching and role modelling is spend more time with her family. Life skills, parenting and experience inspirational and there is more than one Kelly and her husband were external to policing are not and should member of Victoria Police who have profoundly affected by the double never be seen as an impediment. bought a chin-up bar after listening to police murders of Prahran and St Kilda Kelly has shown the value of purpose, her story. “The only difference between police complex members – Sergeant commitment and planning. After re- a dream and a goal is having a plan” she Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rod joining, Kelly worked in the Operations says with a smile. Miller – on 16 August 1998. This tragic Response Unit, a surveillance area, and We’re not alone in thinking there’s event impacted a number of people in 2013 took promotion to sergeant at a lot more of a career journey to see and the wider society psyche. Kelly the Centre for Operational Safety (OSTT) from the inspiring life and career of now accepts the challenges, good and where she became the first female Senior Sergeant Kelly Gooden.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 27 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES Women at the helm of Cyprus peacekeeping mission

than a year in Timor-Leste in a capacity development role. Prior to her deployments, Inspector Carter was involved in national crime operations, counter terrorism, and people smuggling investigations, as well as ACT Policing specialist areas including the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team. She also built experience in the fields of learning and development, and professional standards. “I’ve had a really enjoyable and diverse experience with the AFP,” Inspector Carter said. “This is the first time I’ve worked with the United Nations, so that was part of the appeal of this role. Our commitment in Cyprus has been so long-standing, and being part of a multicultural organisation which promotes peace and harmony > Inspector Bronwyn Carter presents the Australian National Flag to AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin. is something I could only dream about. It’s been an extremely rewarding or five decades, peacekeeping in Australian police, and how privileged experience.” Cyprus has been a rite of passage I was to be involved in the mission. It Inspector Carter touched down at for Australian police. was enormously special to be there in Larnaca International Airport on 10 F December 2016 with a challenging task Some 1600 Australian police officers the company of Jack Thurgar, who was have served on the Mediterranean island awarded the Star of Courage for his at hand. The Australian Government had since the United Nations Peacekeeping bravery in 1979, and Ian Hardy, who was decided in October 2014 to withdraw Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was part of the very first contingent to arrive the AFP from UNFICYP and redeploy established in 1964. in May 1964. Meeting Ian was surreal. We resources to enhance stability and Cyprus was the first international shared our experiences with each other security closer to home. Inspector deployment for Australian police; it – obviously they were very different – Carter was charged with managing the was pioneering for women too. For but what we have in common is a great winding down and eventual withdrawal the first time in 1989, female police respect for Cyprus and its people.” of Australia’s policing presence in Cyprus, officers were able to serve overseas in an UNFICYP was formed to prevent and leading the team of seven Australian operational capacity. further fighting between the Greek officers still in-country. In May, this Fast-forward 28 years to the Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities number reduced to three. She was also a conclusion of Australia’s involvement on the island. The mission’s work is full-time resource of United Nations. in the mission. At the helm of the based on four components that work “The rest of my team was already Australian contingent during the together closely: the military, UN in-country when I arrived, and I hit the drawdown was Inspector Bronwyn Carter Police, the Civil Affairs Branch, and ground sprinting,” she said. from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Administration. The policing component “From the minute I walked out of Inspector Carter recognised the has been focused on maintaining peace the airport, I knew it was going to be a significance of her role as the 111th and final and stability in the buffer zone, delivering valuable experience. I knew it would be Australian Police Contingent Commander humanitarian assistance, and performing challenging – a significant part of my in Cyprus. She said the withdrawal an important liaison role between law role was to manage relationships with ceremony in June was a career highlight. enforcement authorities from the north stakeholders and keep them informed “We had about 40 past serving officers and south. on our parting ways with the mission return to Cyprus to watch the Australian It’s the third international deployment after so long. Australia is very well liked, flag lowered for the last time, and to Inspector Carter has embarked upon in and we have played a critical role in celebrate Australia’s 53 years in Cyprus,” a career that has spanned two decades. various aspects of policing in Cyprus Inspector Carter said. From 2011-2012, she was posted to the for 53 years. I think we’ve successfully “It really dawned on me in this Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon delivered the message that we’ve loved moment what Cyprus meant to Islands; then in 2014, she spent more being in Cyprus and that we are still very

28 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES

> Top left: Australian police have served in Cyprus since 1964. > Top right: Erica Hanisch, a member of the 59th contingent, with her father Bob Hanisch, who served in the first contingent. > Above left: Final Australian Police Contingent Commander, Inspector Bronwyn Carter, with Ian Hardy, who served in the first contingent. > Above right: Kathy Burdett in 1988. supportive of a successful outcome for broad experience internationally. Our leadership in working towards gender the reunification. office had police from the Ukraine, Bosnia, parity within the mission. She said “Australians are well-known for being Romania, and Ireland. I was exposed to women made up 18 per cent of friendly, approachable and outgoing, different styles of policing, cultures, and UNFICYP’s policing component. and we felt welcomed by all aspects of ideas – we were working as a team on a “Australia has led by example in the community. Communication skills daily basis, and came together seamlessly. relation to one of the mission’s key and a good, calm temperament are very I think a lot of that comes down to having objectives, and that is to ensure that important to a UN peacekeeper. It’s all strong leadership.” women are strongly represented among about your attitude, being positive, and The mission is currently headed our peacekeepers,” Ms Spehar said. finding solutions.” by Elizabeth Spehar of Canada, who In 1988, Kathy Burdett became the first Sixty-nine police officers from 13 is the Special Representative of the Australian female to serve in an overseas countries were involved in the mission Secretary-General. Inspector Carter said mission. She was a member of the 28th during Inspector Carter's tenure. Ms Spehar’s high standards had trickled and 29th AFP contingents to Cyprus. Inspector Carter was based in the UN through the rest of the mission. It was Melita Zielonko who had led Protected Area in Nicosia as the crime “She’s the ultimate professional, and had the campaign to enable women to serve operations coordinator and staff officer a strong focus on comradery, cooperation, overseas. In 1989, she became the third to the Senior Police Advisor. and encouraging and supporting women woman deployed to Cyprus but, more “I was working closely with the head of the within the mission,” Inspector Carter said. importantly, the first female AFP officer UN Police, and we very quickly developed “I was very fortunate to learn from such an sent overseas on operational duties. a great working relationship,” she said. experienced, articulate and elegant leader.” Inspector Carter said gender parity “He recognised that I had been on a At the withdrawal ceremony in remained a key priority for both the AFP number of different missions and had June, Ms Spehar highlighted Australia’s and the United Nations. “There’s a lot of work being done to encourage women to participate in “Australia has led by example in offshore peacekeeping and capacity building missions,” she said. relation to one of the mission’s key “I hope the legacy that myself and my objectives, and that is to ensure that colleagues have left in Cyprus is one of positivity and optimism. I feel honoured women are strongly represented to have all of these opportunities. I went to Cyprus with a lot to offer, but left with among our peacekeepers.” more than I imagined.”

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 29 BREAKING THROUGH: STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPECIALIST ROLES Sculpting a career in forensics Constable Tania Curtis currently works within Forensic Services in Hobart. She has worked within Forensics for the last 21 years and is recognised as one of the most experienced officers within the section. Tania reflected upon her background and career within the Tasmania Police.

ania grew up in Richmond, within the fatal stabbing. These incidents reinforced farming community of the Coal Valley, her intent to move to Forensics and she Tnorth of Hobart. As Tania progressed applied for and obtained a position in through high school and college she had Launceston Forensics on 1 January, 1996. a keen interest in science but she also Back in 1996, there were no computer developed a passion for the arts. She systems for storage of forensic evidence. enrolled in fine arts at the University of Film was still used for photography and Tasmania in 1991 and completed her Tania’s duties including sorting through degree in 1993, majoring in sculpture. three copies of prisoner photos. She She undertook a further year of post would glue one prisoner photo in the graduate study in casting and sculpture prisoner photo book, for reference of “I didn’t realise it at the time but sculpting, other sections, and file the other copies. Tania was trained in, and has since drawing and photography and other She would sketch suspect photos for trained others, in Disaster Victim practical abilities I obtained from the arts identikits and had to file the “wet” set of Identification (DVI). She has worked at degree would become incredibly relevant to fingerprints of persons charged. Forensic the international mass casualty incidents my future role within Forensic Services.” services were required to manually of the Bali bombing and the New After completing her degree, Tania initially record interviews between police and Zealand earthquake disaster where she worked as a State Service member within suspects utilising a VHS camera. put those skills to use. the reception area at the Tasmania Police “My experience in sculpting at the To complement her practical Academy. Her contact with the various University was particularly useful for experience, Tania has completed a police officers stationed and visiting the casting tyre prints, tool prints, shoe prints Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Forensics with the Canberra Institute of “I didn’t realise it at the time but sculpting, Technology. She also completed a course drawing and photography and other of study in physical comparisons with the Swinburne Institute of Technology. practical abilities I obtained from the arts When asked to mention a few career highlights, Tania reflected upon running degree would become incredibly relevant and planning two nationally attended Clandestine Grave Courses (2009 and to my future role within Forensic Services.” 2015); major cases including assisting in the Cold Case Investigation into the Academy provided her with insights into and footprints. I was able to demonstrate murders of Ronald Jarvis and John Thorn; an exciting career. to other officers how to reverse cast and, the body exhumations of Jodie Eaton “I ended up applying and joining Tasmania footprints and assisted with forensic and Noel Percey. She identified what Police in 1994. I thought this would combine examinations of the footprints from the underlies all the most rewarding jobs is my two interests of science and art. scene of Victoria Cafasso’s murder and the “teamwork and the sense that you are After completing recruit training, I had obtaining of footprints from suspects in not only helping your fellow officers but no expectations that I would obtain a that case.” the community.” position within Forensics in the short Tania was one of the members of In the future, Tania would like to see term and I settled in to learning the skills Launceston Forensics who attended an increase in footwear comparisons and of a front line officer.” Port Arthur. She assisted at the four the workflow of this area being moved After her initial graduation posting to main crime scenes and her involvement into the digital world. Launceston, she attended a number of in this incident opened her eyes to “I love working in Forensics, it provides serious incidents as a uniform officer. This the developing area of Disaster Victim a different challenge every day, and a included being the first on the scene of a Identification (DVI). continual learning curve.”

30 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

It's what you do next that matters! > Photo Credit: Roni Ziemba with Ziemba Photographic Arts.

Julie Werhnyak Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author

had practised the same daily ritual for unaware of any history of family violence ulie retired from the Tempe, almost 20 years in the police force. between the young woman and her Arizona Police Department in IAs I donned my uniform I uttered the boyfriend. He added, “He is actually a the USA, in May 2016. same mantra, “I expect and accept I will really nice guy.” J be involved in a lethal encounter today, Officer Latasha Hampton arrived as I As a Police Officer, she received numerous commendations and I will do everything I can to ensure continued gathering information. She including the Police Cross, the my survival.” immediately expressed an uneasiness Medal of Valor and multiple That March day in 2015 was no about the call and advised she would lifesaving awards. She has also exception. However, something FELT be turning on her recorder. We knocked been named Officer of the Year different that day. I couldn’t shake that and announced more than 17 times. We and Defensive Tactics Instructor eerie feeling and premonition that spoke with neighbours who reported of the Year. something bad might happen. not seeing or hearing anything out of Julie is a Subject Matter expert My wife Karin was our audit and the ordinary. in Physical Fitness, a certified Crew compliance sergeant. Our paths rarely My attempts to call the 23-year-old Member Self Defence Instructor crossed at work, but they did that woman inside the apartment went for the Federal Air Marshals, and morning. As I left her office she called me unanswered. I left a voice message an Adjunct Faculty Member for Rio back and said, “Just be careful, ok?” This asking if she was ok. I then had dispatch Salado College. She is also a Mixed was quickly followed by her telling me text the same message, adding that we Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist she loved me. I later learned Karin had a were not leaving until we could confirm through the National Academy of bad feeling as well. that she was safe. Sports Medicine. That morning on patrol was uneventful Latasha summoned me to the back of Passionate about teaching, Julie until my second radio call. Together with the apartment. She was standing by the holds certifications in Defensive another unit, my partner and I were sliding glass door. She said she heard Tactics, Force on Force, Impact dispatched to a check welfare. The caller music turn on and off several times. We Weapons, Firearms, Confrontational reported that a female acquaintance had listened. “Do you hear that? I hear him Simulations and Hostage left a message asking him for help earlier unravelling duct tape,” she said. Negotiations. She has practised that day. Concerned, he was now at I ran back toward the front of the and taught martial arts for more the woman’s apartment and could hear complex while calling for more units. As than 30 years and is a two-time talking inside. When he knocked on the I rounded the corner, I saw a man with member of the United States door, he thought he heard a scream. a panicked look on his face. He said, National Tae-kwon-do Team. I arrived first on scene and contacted “Officer, officer, I received a text from the caller. When asked, he said he was my daughter. All it says is, ‘I love you.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 31 BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

as if striking her. Once. Then again. I realized I was not hearing any contact. He swiftly spun, looked in my direction and disappeared. I cleared the door. I hugged the left wall of the narrow entryway and waited for other officers to enter behind me. I held on the corner to the kitchen that was approximately four feet ahead of me to the right. “Where is he now?” the sergeant asked as he entered. I said I thought he went to a back room. I began slicing the pie around the corner to the kitchen, anticipating a long threat. As I took one more step, the suspect, who was directly around the corner, leaped from the kitchen wielding a large hunting knife overhead. Evil itself had leaped from the darkness. My immediate thought was, “Oh Shit!” not out of fear, but because I instinctively knew I was about to be stabbed. I could not get out of the way. I thought, “He killed her. Now he’s going to try to kill me.” The scene was now playing out in slow motion (at least in my mind). I began canting my body and moving to the right while simultaneously trying to block the blow with my left arm. My right arm was extending. My gun touched his body as I squeezed the trigger, firing my first round. At the same time, the knife penetrated the front of my neck, just above my left clavicle. I sensed an invisible wave of energy > Julie supporting the community. Photo Credit: Carlos “Lucha Libre” Benavidez. between us that launched me backward. As I sailed through the air, I fired my second round before crashing to the “I expect and accept I will be involved floor. My head hit the tiles. Other officers also fired at the suspect in a lethal encounter today and I as I scrambled back out the hole in the shattered door. I ran for cover will do everything I can to ensure and radioed, “2-Paul 13, I need an ambulance…I’ve been stabbed.” my survival.” I was bleeding profusely. I thought I’d Not that that’s not nice to hear, but I’m Another officer hit the wooden door with been hit in my carotid artery. I focused concerned.” This panic-stricken man was the battering ram. It didn’t open but the on slowing my breathing and wondered the woman’s father. lower half shattered. if I would survive. Thankfully, another Latasha radioed, “I’m hearing muffled I crouched to enter, peering into the officer stayed with me, comforting me screams from a female inside…it’s apartment. Never was I so keenly aware and rendering aid. muffled as if something is covering of the drastic difference between the He called Karin on speaker phone. her mouth”. harsh mid-day Arizona brightness and When I told her I was stabbed, she said: I knew I had to act fast to break through the darkened interior of a home. The “I know, are you ok?” ...I realized and she the locked metal gate that protected lights were off, the window shades later confirmed, she had been listening the wooden front door. I didn’t have a drawn. The sliding glass door on the far to the call from her office. halligan tool (forcible entry tool). The side of the apartment shed enough light The suspect died at the scene. The woman’s father handed me a tyre iron. to create a backdrop for the silhouetted victim was found bound, beaten and Back-up officers arrived with the tools scene unfolding. stabbed multiple times. She survived and needed to breach the doors. We formed The suspect was standing over the later said Latasha’s words gave her hope. a stack. The sergeant made short work victim. He reached high overhead and The knife missed my carotid artery of the security gate with a halligan tool. dropped his weight, swinging his arm by less than an inch. I was hospitalized

32 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

> Photo Credit: Roni Ziemba with Ziemba Photographic Arts. for three days due to complications I was, physically, mentally and spiritually EMS personnel and hospital staff who from the stab wound. I also suffered a prepared that day. I was 100% present in were 100% prepared and pesent that concussion and a shoulder injury that the moment, which enabled me to fully day as well. I will be forever thankful to all required surgery. utilize my extensive training. of them! Although my training prepared Several media outlets reported the I survived because I had a plan. I me for the incident itself, nothing could “strange twist in the story,” that the always made a conscious effort to have prepared me for the aftermath - officer stabbed was a martial arts expert. identify my cover and concealment. the chaos, both mental and emotional. I In this case, I knew exactly where to was overwhelmed by the attention from IT’S WHAT YOU DO NEXT go when I made my tactical retreat. friends and acquaintances, media outlets THAT MATTERS! Another part of my plan was to get and strangers. There were people who There was no “strange twist.” The fact is that outside the perimeter so rescuers didn’t know what to say and others who action is faster than reaction, and if someone could treat me in the event I was ever didn’t know when to stop talking. It felt is hiding around a blind corner, in the dark and critically injured, just as I did in reality highly intrusive. they jump out to stab you, you will be cut. that day. There were times where nothing that It was a miracle, not a coincidence, My survival is also attributed to the had anchored me before the stabbing that I survived. I remained calm because police officers, dispatchers, firefighters, seemed available to me as I struggled. All I had previously known as normal no longer existed. Karin and I were about “I remained calm because I was, to embark on a journey of recovery, a physically, mentally and spiritually journey we had not prepared for. In next edition, Edition 42 of The prepared, in the best shape I could be Journal for Women in Policing, we will explore with Julie, the journey of on that day and had fuelled my body her recovery in the aftermath of a life threatening critical incident, and where for optimum performance.” she is at today.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 33 FEATUREBUILDING STORY RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE Aussies urged to support breast cancer research in October by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast It’s Simple. It’s Social. It Saves Lives

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is encouraging Australians to get together with friends, family and work colleagues to support life-changing breast cancer research through its Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign this October during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

his year’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast marks the 14th year of NBCF’s most Ticonic campaign. Whilst inspiring Australians to host a fun event and enjoy time with friends, family and colleagues – Pink Ribbon Breakfast also has a serious call to action: to raise much-needed funds for research to help stop deaths from breast cancer. The 2017 campaign focuses the lens on metastatic breast cancer, or breast cancer which has spread beyond the breast. The main cause of death from breast cancer, a third of women with breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer later in life. Whilst the five year survival rate for breast cancer is currently at 90 per cent, the five year survival rate for women that have metastatic breast cancer is alarmingly low at 40 per centII. The lack of effective “By hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for the and targeted treatments for this stage of breast cancer highlights the crucial need National Breast Cancer Foundation, you are for targeted and robust research. ensuring that we can continue to fund the “Metastatic breast cancer is the biggest killer for patients with this condition and very best cancer research in Australia.” is a major area of focus for the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” said Dr fund research like Dr Kylie Wagstaff’s Dr Wagstaff’s work is focused on Alessandra Muntoni, Director of Research from Monash University in Victoria, finding a specific biomarker that Investment at NBCF. whose work has the potential to develop differentiates healthy cells from cancer “Right now, researchers are tackling new and more effective treatments for cells. This discovery could firstly lead to metastatic breast cancer from many metastatic breast cancer. easier and more accurate detection of angles and each has the potential to Right now, the standard treatments metastatic breast cancer and, secondly, make a life-changing difference for currently available for women with aid the development of drugs that women in Australia and across the globe. metastatic breast cancer can prolong recognise and target only cancer cells. We are doing our part, with 50 per cent life, but ultimately do not prevent “Research is the key to everything. of the projects funded by NBCF in 2017 death. These treatments include Better diagnosis, better treatment and focusing on metastatic breast cancer,” toxic chemotherapy which, although better outcomes. Without understanding continued Dr Muntoni. initially effective at killing cancer cells, of the core workings of the disease we By hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast simultaneously attacks some healthy can’t progress towards better treatment,” this October, Australians will help NBCF cells and causes unpleasant side effects. added Dr Wagstaff.

34 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSEFEATURE STORY

Each Pink Ribbon Breakfast event will contribute to NBCF’s collective goal of $2 million for the campaign. This could help NBCF invest in research for far more effective treatments, such as immunotherapy, for metastatic breast cancer. With up to a third of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer likely to experience a relapse later in life this has the potential to save thousands of lives. There are many ways that Australians can host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast event: a morning tea with friend’s workmates at the office, a Pink Ribbon trivia night, dinner party or even a sports event. The only limit is imagination! “By hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, you are ensuring that we can continue NBCF is the only national body that Register now to host a Pink Ribbon to fund the very best cancer research in funds life-changing breast cancer Breakfast this October for NBCF: Australia,” said Professor Sarah Hosking, research with money raised entirely pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au CEO of NBCF. by the Australian public. Through its IGlobal Status of Advanced / “On behalf of everyone at NBCF and 2017 Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign, Metastatic Breast Cancer, 2005-2015 all the women and men affected by NBCF hopes to raise more than $2 Decade Report, March 2016. breast cancer, thank you so much for million through community and IICancer Australia. Report to the nation your support. Your commitment makes a corporate support, to fund breast - breast cancer 2012, Cancer Australia, huge difference,” she continued. cancer research. Surry Hills, NSW, 2012.

This October, Pink Up to McGrath Foundation has supported help families experiencing 56,000 breast cancer. families. The McGrath Foundation makes life that little bit easier for families experiencing breast cancer, by Currently funds placing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across 117 Australia. McGrath Breast Care Nurses.* We believe that women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, need consistent, *August 2017 compassionate and expert support throughout their experience – Learn how you can support at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au wherever they live, for free.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 35 BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE Fighting for my life: A survivor’s story

Three and a half years or so ago I found a lump in my breast. I would like to say that it was because I was being breast aware and vigilant about my own health. The reality is that I wasn’t. I was lucky. I found that lump by accident.

Emma Novosel Senior Sergeant, Queensland Police Service

> Emma with her two children Mackenzie (L) and Sophie (R). > Celebrating 2 years all clear with her family.

nnocuously, but obviously with a touch This was indeed a mighty shock. It was of vanity, I was shaving my armpits to terrifying to face the prospect of being Iwear a singlet to work backstage for my terminally ill. nine-year-old daughter’s annual dancing My surgery was scheduled for 27 concert. I discovered a lump about December, a week later. When I met the size of a twenty-cent coin whilst my surgeon two days after my initial washing the soap from my underarms diagnosis he advised, “Go and enjoy and chest. My immediate impulse was Christmas with your family.” to adopt avoidance strategy, pretend it I still have my nine-year-old daughter’s POST-OP PROGRAM wasn’t there. I even used the excuse of an Christmas wish list from 2013. There I had to undergo six rounds of impending family holiday at the beach to were many requests on that list down chemotherapy, conducted at three weekly delay seeing our family doctor by a week. to request ‘p’ in fact. A late addition in intervals. This was a rough time for me On 18 December 2013, just a couple that young handwriting, “For mum to get and my family. I was unwell and at times of months after my 40th birthday, I was better”, is a stark reminder of how much difficult. My husband Jeremy really earned diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 triple was riding on a positive outcome. his ‘in sickness and health’ badge during positive breast cancer. No-one in my family, Five tumours, approximately 30mm those few months and I will be forever none of my friends and no-one that I in diameter in total were removed grateful he was with me, encouraging personally knew had been diagnosed during surgery. My surgeon was able me to endure the struggle each day. I was with breast cancer. Even considering the to achieve this without a mastectomy hospitalised three times during this period statistics that one in every eight women which had been discussed prior to the and unable to attend some important will be diagnosed with breast cancer, it just operation. One isolated cancer cell events in our children’s lives. wasn’t something that might happen to me. was located in my sentinel node which Like many chemo patients, I lost my I was young, a non-smoker, social is part of the lymph gland system. hair but it was a small price to pay for drinker living a healthy life. Married Fortunately for me, CT and MRI scans the opportunity to regain my health. with two young kids aged 11 and 9, a confirmed that the cancer had not In hindsight, chemo also gave me an great family, wonderful circle of friends, spread to other parts of my body. My opportunity to outgrow my obsession with success in my career, and a fully- surgeon’s words to me during a check- the long hair I had prized since childhood. functioning member of society. I didn’t up two years later were, “You dodged a My previously curly hair has grown back have time or a place for cancer in my life. bullet there.” thick and straight and I now wear it

36 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

is invaluable. I was recently accepted as an ambassador for this great charity and I will continue, at every opportunity to encourage people to support this worthwhile cause. It would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to promote self-awareness and early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is the key. Every woman should regularly check her breasts and body and learn to know what is normal to the touch. If there is a change to that normal, then get advice from a doctor immediately. If you, or someone you love over 40, has never had a mammogram, get one. Yes, it is uncomfortable and yes, it is a bit awkward, but it is crucial. Equally as important as early diagnosis is medical research. Sadly, research into curing cancer comes down to money, but if we want a cure, that is what it will > Emma with her husband, Senior Sergeant Jeremy Novosel. take. If we can attack cancer through cropped short. Curiously, my eyebrows and eyelashes have not recovered but I have “Early diagnosis is the key. Every discovered eyelash extensions and have a wonderful new friendship with my woman should regularly check her eyelash technician. After chemo, I had to undergo six weeks breasts and body and learn to know of radiotherapy. While this took less of a what is normal to the touch.” toll on me physically, it was nevertheless apply to another person. Likewise, the a challenging time for our family. For medical research, we can remove emotions surrounding the diagnosis and treatment, I had to travel to Townsville in some of the burden cancer places on North Queensland, some four hours from battle may be similar for sufferers, but the individuals, families, carers and support our home in Mackay. This meant leaving the journey will almost certainly be different for services. Please donate or buy some children at home so as not to disrupt their families and carers of cancer patients. merchandise to support the cause. I was education. Fortunately, our loving and always a sucker for pink, but I can’t walk generous parents took turns to travel to SUPPORT FROM THE past breast cancer research fundraisers Mackay to care for the kids. FRONT LINES without buying something…cups, pens, At the time of my diagnosis I had been hats, stubby coolers…you can never GETTING ON WITH LIFE a police officer for 18 years and my have enough. Three-and-a-half years on, I am still husband Jeremy a police officer for 22 There is a silver lining in everything. seeing my oncologist quarterly and taking years. We knew about the support that During my treatment, I remember daily medication. There have been a was offered and given to colleagues a conversation with my radiation few hiccoughs along the way including and families during times of grief and oncologist that left me in no doubt that further surgery to increase my chances serious illness. It wasn’t until our family to give myself the best chance to live of remaining cancer-free in the future. was reliant upon such support that I fully a long and healthy life. He encouraged My oncologist says that I will continue to appreciated the power and love of the me to take up running. Well, the running visit her and take medication until at least police family. thing didn’t happen but I did commit to 2021 but most likely until 2023, ten years Our colleagues fundraised, they visited, three weekly early morning sessions with from the date of my initial diagnosis. they helped convey our children to a PT. One of the biggest lessons from my events and venues, they sent gifts, they I am fitter and stronger than I have experience is that everyone’s path is cooked meals, and on my return to work ever been in my whole adult (and different. Medical options, treatment plans, ten months later, they welcomed me probably adolescent) life and acutely side effects and outcomes are individual. with a celebratory morning tea. Likewise, conscious of healthy lifestyle choices. Many people were generous with advice we were very fortunate to have access I am ready to face the future, knowing and experiences, and I received so to emergency accommodation free of that I have given myself a red-hot many tips, from diets and miracle cures to charge in both Brisbane and Townsville chance to live a long and healthy information passed on about friends and during different phases of treatment. life with my husband, kids, family relatives who hadn’t made it. This accommodation is owned and and friends. Unless asked, I don’t share specifics about maintained by the Community Incidentally, since my hair has grown the challenges of my treatment. I know that Supporting Police Charity and the back so I have to shave under my arms what I experienced might not necessarily support given to families in times of crisis again…now that’s life.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 37 FEATUREBUILDING STORY RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

Building resilience: Dragon boat style In 2014, Dorothy McPhail, a 58 year-old New Zealand Police Officer, had a routine mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Little did she know this would lead to being a competitor at a World Dragon Boat Championship.

uckily for Dorothy, she had exercise as beneficial for minimising the Having caught the Dragon Boat bug, contracted a non-aggressive form of effects of lymphoedema, a side effect of Dorothy is now looking forward to Lcancer which did not require further the removal of lymph nodes routinely travelling to Europe in 2018 to take part treatment after her mastectomy. undertaken during breast cancer surgery. in the International Breast Cancer Dragon Following her recovery from surgery, As a result of Dr McKenzie’s Boat Regatta in Florence, Italy. There they Dorothy, who is based in Christchurch, recommendation, dragon boat regattas will compete against 120 other breast was keen to ensure that she maintained now include a Breast Cancer category. cancer teams from around the world. a healthy lifestyle. Dorothy’s first season of dragon The ABOL team will continue onto A chance conversation with a fellow boating culminated in attending the Hungary to compete at the World Club breast cancer survivor led to Dorothy New Zealand National Dragon boat Crew Champs to be held later that joining a dragon boat team comprised Champs with her team “Abreast of month in the breast cancer division. entirely of breast cancer survivors. Life” (ABOL), competing against other “You never know what curve balls life Dorothy’s brush with cancer has not breast cancer teams from throughout is going to throw at you but, when they only been life-affirming, it has opened New Zealand. do happen, look at the opportunities the door to a new life filled with fun, new The ABOL team won the 500m and that present rather than dwelling on the friendships, and no shortage of exciting 2km events, qualifying them to compete negatives,” says Dorothy. opportunities. at the World Club Crew Champs in “Being fit and healthy is vital for all Breast cancer survivors were first Adelaide in 2016. The Team went on Police in order to cope with the mentally- encouraged to take up dragon boating to win a silver and two bronze medals challenging demands of the job,” says this more than 20 years ago. Canadian doctor competing against breast cancer teams 32-year veteran. “Dragon boating is great Dr Don McKenzie recommended the from Australia and North America. for team building and resilience.”

38 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSEFEATURE STORY Awareness saved my life

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia. Tasmanian Police Officer, Melissa Palmer from Western District Drug Investigation Services writes about her experience to help raise awareness.

Melissa Palmer Western District Drug Investigation Services, Tasmania Police

he start of 2017 wasn’t the I felt sorry for the doctor because begining that everyone hopes for. she had to tell a 30 year old that she TIn January, I found a lump in my left had breast cancer! I think the doctor breast. I have found lumps before and I expected me to react differently or burst thought that it would be like the others. into tears. This occurred when I got into I went to a local doctor and he referred the car, I let it all out and cried. me for an ultrasound, mammogram and I think that I reacted the way I did biopsy. On the 11th January this year I went in the doctor’s surgery was because for the ultrasound. They put the gel on, and my mum was diagnosed with breast then had a look but had trouble seeing cancer back when I was in Grade 7 and the lump. At the end of the appointment diagnosed with secondaries 3 years later. they told me that I had to book in for a She then passed away when she was 42. mammogram to have a closer look. Following this appointment, I had to Six days later I had my mammogram. see a Breast Cancer Surgeon. This was The lady took some x-rays of my breast the start of many appointments, MRI’s and then went out to speak with the and needles. doctor. When she came in she said that I had my first surgery on the 8th the doctor wanted me to have a biopsy. February at the Hobart Private Hospital At this stage, I was thinking it will be all where the surgeon took out the lump and the possibility of the DCIS coming good, it’s just the process that happens and some surrounding tissue. The surgery back, I was referred to a radiologist … that I have been through it before. went well, I wasn’t that sore and had about and oncologist. They both said that I Later in the afternoon I went back to a 4 cm cut on the top of my left breast. would require treatment, radiation for 6 the hospital for the biopsy. I would have A week later I went for the post-op weeks and then chemo. This would be a to say it was one of the longest biopsies check-up and I was really hoping that the preventative which I would have to take I have had done. Now, it was a waiting surgeon would say that “yep everything for possibly 5 years but they wanted to game until the results came back. is all good, I got all the cancer and that complete genetic testing first to rule in A week after my initial ultrasound, would be it”. But he didn’t. He said that or out if I had the Braca1 or Braca2 gene. I received a call from the doctor’s there were very, very tiny cancerous This is when the decision making surgery and was told I had to make an cells in the tissue and that I would have comes into play. Do I have the treatment appointment to get my results back. I to have surgery again to remove more or do I go the other way and have a full thought that something wasn’t right tissue and check that the cancer had not mastectomy and reconstruction? At because with all the others, they told me spread to my lymph nodes. this stage, even though I was waiting the results over the phone. I had my second surgery on the 17th for the results of the genetic testing, my Supported by my husband I travelled February which went well. I was only a decision was “get some new ones”. the 300km from the North West Coast little sore under my arm afterwards. I The genetic test came back negative for the to Hobart, to see my regular general went back to the surgeon a week later Braca genes, therefore I made the big decision practitioner (GP). In the consultation and he said that I had the all clear with to have a mastectomy and reconstruction. room, I could sense that it wasn’t going no cancer cells present. I was so happy, I I had my first procedure on the 26th to be good news! Friday the 20th don’t think you could wipe the smile off July and the final procedure on the 7th January was the date my prognosis was my face! August 2017. delivered: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Even though I got the all clear, I still I encourage everyone to carry out Neither my husband or I had any had a few more appointments and regular breast checks and see your further questions when asked by my GP. decisions to make. Due to my age doctor if you are worried.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 39 BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

> Photo credit: Natalie Bennett of Nat Benn Photography. Emotional rollercoasters and how to get off Barbara Butler

he long slow burn of stress on-the- This painful reality afflicts professionals Times bestseller list for eighteen months. job is literally a killer. engaged in some occupations more than His book, Emotional Intelligence, T It’s no coincidence that airport others. Employees in law enforcement, has been reprinted in more than 40 booksellers stock so many pop psychology the military and emergency services are countries. It is widely appreciated today paperbacks; they are mesmeric in their especially susceptible to professional stress as are his subsequent publications. appeal to passengers who impulsively because they are more likely to be exposed Although Goleman is not without invest their time in the air seeking relief to traumatic events or experiences. detractors, his groundbreaking thesis - from the emotional turmoil taking a toll on The manifestations of job stress are that the intellect cannot work without their relationships and/or professionalism. unmistakable – frustration, abuse, anger emotional intelligence - certainly If there was a quick means of disembarking verging on rage. Some situations can challenged conventional thinking about the emotional rollercoaster of life, publishers produce an uncontrollable flashpoint in human behavior at the time it first wouldn’t be clearing rainforests and an individual that leads to violence. appeared in bookshops. psychiatrists would be unemployed. It is commonly accepted that emotion Although the emotional rivers of life EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE prepares the body for action in response may run deep in the home, the workplace In 1995 Harvard scholar Daniel Goleman to dangerous situations, best understood is often a major source of stress for converted his Psychology PhD into a as the fight or flight response. However, employees at all levels of an organisation. self-help book that made the New York Goleman’s book was alluring in

40 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT BUILDING RESILIENCE AND TENACITY OF PURPOSE

its contention that, by developing Frustration can spill into the hours lives of employees. There are benefits emotional competency, individuals can after work for many police - hours when for both employees and employers curb the impulse to act unwisely at intimate relationships are at risk because in implementing programs aimed those times when feelings overwhelm the temperature in the emotional at making work environments safer rationality. cauldron can turn lethal. and healthier, and putting psychological Sound simple? Hmmm…it is a rare support systems in place. person who can control his or her RECOGNISING THE Despite these interventions, emotions when confronted with a SYMPTOMS OF there are individuals who are situation that would make most of us as HYPERVIGILANCE suffering yet fear that asking for help is mad as a hatter, crazy as a loon, nutty as Gilmartin pinpoints the symptoms of a career-stopper. This is a perception a fruitcake… emotional disengagement attributable that has historically had a degree of to hypervigilance - a form of heightened credence, and one that will be hard COPPING IT ON THE JOB situational awareness all too familiar to in the effort to convincing some The self-discipline required in order to military personnel with experience in veterans otherwise. demonstrate emotional competence conflict - with unerring accuracy: Perhaps this is an aspect of may not matter in an office where • social isolation at home emotional survival that Dr Gilmartin running low on toner in the photocopier • unwillingness to engage in may address when he travels to Cairns, can trigger a mind-altering tantrum. conversation or activities unrelated North Queensland, to conduct an But it does matter in workplaces to policing Emotional Survival Workshop at the 2017 international Women and Law Enforcement Conference. “The manifestations of job stress are For law enforcement officers unable unmistakable – frustration, abuse, anger to be delegates at the Conference, be sure to acquire a copy of this book. verging on rage. Some situations can It’s not a glossy you would want to display on a coffee table but it is produce an uncontrollable flashpoint essential reading for every officer. in an individual that leads to violence.” that demand an exceptionally high • reduced interaction with non-police degree of professional and emotional friends or acquaintances competence. In this light, law • procrastination in decision-making not enforcement is arguably one of the top related to work three professions where this capability is • infidelity a prerequisite. • non-involvement in children’s needs Enter Kevin M. Gilmartin, an American and activities whose career in law enforcement • loss of interest in hobbies or spanned more than two decades to recreational activities. 1995, after which he earned a PhD and Immersion in professional cultures wrote a book entitled Emotional Survival of potential risk can led to depression for Law Enforcement: a Guide for Officers and suicide. and their Families (2002). Learning how to develop techniques – This is an engaging text that should setting goals, managing time, flicking the be mandatory reading and re-reading switch to the off position at the end of a for all operational police and military shift, and being committed to personal personnel. Gilmartin says that police and family relationships – is mission critical officers share a cynical world-view, in becoming an emotional survivor. thereby acknowledging their work Gilmartin has not taken to the sofa environment is characterized as “full of in retirement, survival of the fattest Dr Barbara Butler served as an assholes and bullshit”. is not an option. He is highly sought- Officer in the Royal Australian It is tempting to laugh but this after consultant to law enforcement Navy from 2004-16, enlisting apparently universal response emanates agencies and critical response after September 11 2001. She from a hard core of self-preservation, teams, gives lectures, and conducts completed her career in the a coping mechanism for managing workshops in emotional survival in military with three year-posting the emotional challenges inherent in many countries. to Global Operations at HQ Joint police work. Clearly, not all the assholes – SURVIVING THE JOB Operations Command, Canberra. or, as Gilmartin describes them, An increasing number of corporations, A former journalist and political “procotological personalities” - are government departments and scientist, she is the principal of languishing in prison, some are disguised agencies now acknowledge that her own Public Affairs consultancy work stress has an adverse impact as superior officers albeit with low based in Queensland. emotional competence. upon the professional and personal

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 41 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY "What if he kills her?" New leadership responses to domestic and family violence in immigration and border protection

Melinda Tynan Department of Immigration and Border Protection

Perhaps surprisingly, one of the benefits of the Australian Government's 'Strengthening the borders' policy has been an improved focus on immigration responses to domestic and family violence.

n early 2015 Josie1 wrote to the women, and ‘Perpetrators use the threat 2016-17. Research suggests that those Department of Immigration and of losing the right to remain in Australia on temporary visas are at increased risk IBorder Protection (the Department) as a means of controlling women and of DFV4 , and can experience hardship seeking advice: was the violent ex- motivating them to stay in violent due to their ineligibility for support partner who had vowed to kill her still relationships’.2 services needed to escape, manage in Australia? She outlined a history The Department does not have a law or recover from DFV.5 This can include of stalking, violence and breached enforcement role in relation to DFV, but financial barriers, access to health care, apprehended violence orders that had plays a key role in protecting its clients emergency and public housing, fear for resulted in injuries, multiple arrests and and the Australian community by: their children, and fear of repercussions gaol terms. She knew he was already • determining if a client who has from their family and community.6 released from prison—but was he still experienced family violence is eligible The specific range of DFV behaviours in Australia? If he had departed, would for a permanent visa experienced by these clients can be he be able to return? The standard departmental response was prepared: as Josie was not the substantive visa holder, "Greater reporting of domestic the Department could not provide that information to her. ‘This is hopelessly violence incidents by police to the bureaucratic…’ new Secretary Michael Department will greatly improve the Pezzullo inked across the draft response prepared for his signature. ‘What if he Department’s intelligence capability, kills her?’ Domestic and family violence (DFV) is visa and citizenship decisions and a major issue for the Department. It is experienced by our clients and managed consequently, our capacity to protect by our officers in their everyday work.i Evidence indicates there are direct the community." linkages between DFV and community safety, and migrant women are especially • refusing entry; cancelling visas; and/ termed ‘immigration abuse’.7 Women vulnerable to DFV. or denying citizenship to clients with a who have children with an Australian The Australian Government National violent criminal history, or who pose a resident or citizen may be forced or Plan of Action on Violence Against risk to the community3 tricked into leaving their children, and Women and Children (the National • identifying patterns of immigration and if a family court order is in place may Plan) was endorsed by the Council of allegations of abuse that may amount be excluded from legal aid or other pro Australian Governments (COAG) in 2011 to exploitation, trafficking in women bono representation because of their to bring together the efforts of Australian and children, or immigration fraud. visa status. state and territory governments to Similarly, Australian citizens who make a real and sustainable reduction PROTECTING OUR CLIENTS sponsor a new partner to Australia in violence against women and their There has been a significant increase in can find themselves subject to threats, children. It recognised that culturally and those coming to Australia on temporary extortion or violence if they attempt linguistically diverse women are more visas in recent years, with almost 8.5 to end the relationship with a partner vulnerable to DFV than other Australian million temporary visas granted in who is relying on their sponsorship to

42 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

remain in Australia. Many Australian Department review ‘its … information the Department more quickly by contacting citizens are surprised to find there is sharing processes to improve the the Department’s Status Resolution Service.ii no capacity to automatically remove Department’s ability to verify the initial The Department also has to comply or deport their violent former partner if supporting information provided by with the Privacy Act, which restricts they withdraw their sponsorship. Current visa applicants…; and… better assess the release of client information by the mandatory cancellation provisions only the possible risks posed by individuals Department without just cause—this apply to non-citizens who are serving, at the pre-visa, post-visa and pre- was a key factor in the response to Josie or have been sentenced to, a minimum citizenship stages’.10 in 2015. 12-month prison sentence; or have been Protecting the community requires One of the outcomes of the convicted or found guilty of a sex-based better information sharing arrangements amalgamation of the immigration crime involving a child. between the Department and law and customs functions within the enforcement agencies. In the UK, Australian Border Force has been a PROTECTING THE ‘Clare’s Law’ provides a broad record more comprehensive risk assessment AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY of perpetrator’s abusive behaviours, approach to DFV. Following the Evidence indicates there are explicit however similar Australian schemes Secretary’s critique of the ‘standard linkages between DFV and community currently only record convictions and reply’ to Josie in 2015, the Department safety—terrorists first ‘practice’ at final AVOs, providing only a very limited commenced a review of its procedures. home.8 Man Haron Monis had a long picture of behaviour.11 Protocols were developed to guide history of violence against women which Non-citizens arrested for DFV offences and support staff working with DFV was not able to be fully accessed by that do not have a custodial sentence victims, including providing information the Department prior to his obtaining imposed may not quickly come to the to those needing to make decisions Australian citizenship. The subsequent Department’s attention, as they rely on about their future safety. A number review into the Martin Place Lindt café checking of custodial lists from each of risk assessment tools were also siege found agencies were unable to jurisdiction’s corrective service. Police developed to guide decision-makers share information adequately, enabling can bring violent offenders they suspect considering character and cancellation of Monis’ offending.9 It recommended the of being non-citizens to the attention of DFV offenders.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 43 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

In 2016 new legislation was introduced 1 This case has been de-identified, however information requests sexual assault charges he was alleged to have committed over a of this nature are frequently received by the Department. ten-year period. which enables the Department to 2 Department of Social Services (2015) National Action Plan to 10 Ibid. p.ix. Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children: Hearing her 11 Wangmann, J. (2017) Has he been violent before? Domestic refuse sponsorship applications from voice: report from the kitchen table conversations with culturally violence disclosure schemes, Alternative Law Australians with a history of DFV.12 A and linguistically diverse women on violence against women and 12 Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) their children, p.25. Bill 2016 Community of Practice on Domestic 3 As set out in Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act). Journal Vol 41, Iss. 4, pp.230-234. and Family Violence developed a series This includes all non-citizens, sponsors of visa applicants and i DFV that Departmental staff observe or suspect in the course of non-migrating family members seeking to enter or stay in their work includes but is not restricted to: of guides for staff managing DFV cases, Australia. When a person does not pass the character test, • physical violence or sexual abuse, including female genital the Minister or his delegate will decide whether to refuse the mutilation, which may be understood by victims as delivered training in identifying and application, or to cancel the visa. When making this decision, ‘discipline’ or ‘custom’; responding to DFV, and developed the a wide range of factors will be considered, including the • financial abuse, such as continuing demands for dowry- protection of the Australian community, the best interests of any money, lack of access to personal money or accounts; Department’s Domestic and Family minor children who may be affected by a decision to refuse or • controlling behaviours, such as stalking, restricting cancel the person's visa, and the expectations of the Australian resources and refusing access to support networks such as Violence Strategy 2016-20. In July 2017, community. family, friends or English language classes; a network of 18 Domestic and Family 4 Ghafournia, N. (2011). Battered at home and played down • forced and/or arranged marriage; in policy: Migrant women and domestic violence in Australia • ‘immigration-related abuse’, (eg. a sponsor threatens Violence Contact Officers was established Aggression and violent behaviour (3): 207. withdrawal of sponsorship or deportation from Australia nationally to provide practical guidance 5 Department of Social Services (2015) Hearing her voice: and/or separation from children as a form of control and report from the kitchen table conversations with culturally and coercion). Withholding information, or supplying false to staff managing DFV in their work. linguistically diverse women on violence against women and information to the Department may also constitute a their children, pp.26-27. form of DFV. Another form of abuse unique to DIBP clients Work is now underway to develop 6 Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS) submission to occurs when a partner visa sponsor arranges for their automated data exchange between law the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their temporary visa partner to departure Australia by coercion/ Children 2010-2022 www.iwss.org.au. force/trickery, then abandons them overseas without enforcement agencies to automatically 7 ‘Immigration abuse’ is a term coined by women’s services to a passport, the means to return to Australia, and often flag when a visa holder has been identify the range of behaviours experienced by migrant women without their children. Such cases often only come to notice whereby a sponsor or partner: long afterward, when a third party has contacted DIBP on charged or convicted. Greater reporting • threatens withdrawal of sponsorship or deportation from their behalf. Australia and/or separation from children as a form of ii There are multiple contact points that clients, advocates and of domestic violence incidents by police control and coercion) agencies can use to bring domestic and family violence offenders to the Department will greatly improve • withholds information, or supplies false information to the (who are not Australian citizens) to the attention of the Department: Department, and/or • The Immigration Status Service (ISS) receives referrals from the Department’s intelligence capability, • arranges for their temporary visa partner to depart police who have arrested an individuals suspected to be visa and citizenship decisions and Australia by coercion/force/trickery, then withdraws their a non-citizen. ISS can confirm immigration status with sponsorship, abandons them overseas without a passport, police and on-refer to other internal DIBP areas for action. consequently, our capacity to protect the the means to return to Australia and often without their Contact: 1300 853 773 children. This practice is considered a human trafficking • Dob-in information and allegations from clients are also community. ‘Exit offence’ under the Crimes Act and would be referred received via the Border Watch Allegations Referral Team There is still much to be done to to the AFP. (BWART). In 2016, the Dob-In line receive on average 8 See for example Murray-McKenzie, M. (2017) ‘Terrorism and around 300 allegations of domestic and family violence improve the identification of offenders domestic violence’, Saturday Paper edition no. 162, 24 – 30 June; annually. Contact: 1800 009 623 and to ensure that victims of DFV have and Lewis, H. (2017) ‘Many terrorists first victims are their wives • The National Character Consideration Centre (NCCC) - but we are not allowed to talk about that’, New Statesman, receives custodial lists from all state and territory the information and support they 7 June. correctional services except the ACT. These custodial 9 Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (2015) Martin Place lists are checked to identify non-citizens in remand need to make optimal decisions, but Siege Joint Commonwealth- New South Wales Review. Monis had and serving sentences. This is the primary means the the Department is committed to the come into contact with a broad range of government agencies Department uses to identify non-citizens convicted of over many years, including courts, police and national security criminal offences onshore. safety of our clients and the pursuit of agencies and was the subject of stalking charges, apprehended • The centralised Family Violence Unit (FVU) triages claims domestic violence orders, sexual assault charges and an of family violence made by eligible visa applicants and an Australian community that will not accessory to the murder of his ex-partner. At the time of the may refer alleged offenders for investigation or further tolerate violence against women. Lindt café siege on 15 December 2014, Monis was on bail for 40 assessment.

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44 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Women in White unite! Photo Credit: Kindly supplied by Blueprint Studio and Studiohouse Photography. Unite, the Women in White Sometimes it takes a tragedy to galvanize the community. A loss that touches the soul. When community leaders approached the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Community Liaison Team (CLT) in Melbourne the “Women In White” Initiative was created. This project engaged local and Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) in order to raise awareness around the difficult subject of domestic violence.

Anisa Sharif Australian Federal Police, Melbourne Office Community Liaison Team

wo of the female community enforcement representatives and he Women in White leaders who approached the AFP support agencies. Conversations are project was launched in TCLT stated: “We want to start some centered around women developing January 2017 with a drone conversations around family violence… networks and understanding what T and we want the whole community to photoshoot. Women of many support agencies are available. faiths and backgrounds came be involved!” together wearing white because it The 2017 Women in White (WIW) BREAKING CULTURAL STIGMA is the colour of the ribbon against united against Family Violence At a time when Australia’s CALD family violence. Women from project spans 12 months of creative communities felt overwhelmed with both Federal and Victoria Police engagement. This skill share initiative Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) participated in this photoshoot. brings people together from many orientated projects, the WIW project has nationalities and faiths including law stood out.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 45 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

“Creativity takes Courage” – Henri Matisse On Tuesday the 15th of August Commissioner Colvin contributed a piece to the Crystal Mandala Mosaic artwork that will be completed by the AFP CLT and Melbourne office. This artwork is part of the “Women in White” (United Against Family Violence) project and the mandala is symbolic of family love & community. The artwork will travel to Cairns for the 2017 International Women and Law > Above: Artwork created by the Women in White project. Enforcement Conference to raise funds in support of sponsoring While the CLT work in the CVE media reporting, can have on CALD the attendance and participation environment, it was made abundantly communities. of police women from vulnerable clear during the workshops that in Overall, the workshops were designed to: communities at the biennial many cases CVE and family violence • Attract women who might ACWAP Conference in 2019. These can and do overlap. More importantly, otherwise avoid discussions around conferences provide inspirational it is through listening and responding family violence; networking opportunities and to the needs of the community that the • Empower women with new creative encouragement for police women AFP can further strengthen and nurture skills and create something to protecting and serving in under important relationships with the wider take home; privileged communities within public. • Allow the community to interact Australasia. with members of law enforcement, ACT LOCALLY, THINK emergency services and service GLOBALLY providers in a relaxed atmosphere The concept of ‘Act locally, Think globally’ that counters previous negative It has been refreshing, addressing rang true for this project as it provided experiences; and a primary concern for the whole opportunities to develop social cohesion • Promote networking among community and is closer to home. through many faiths and cultures. women and improve awareness Although family violence falls under An underlying theme of unity was around the local services available state jurisdiction, the AFP wanted reiterated through various lectures to them. to support the women who had so delivered at the introduction of the Launched in January 2017 with a courageously suggested the project creative workshops, with the aim of photoshoot for the WIW Facebook and break the cultural stigma around countering negative and dividing affects page, consecutive workshops were held family violence. that world events, and consequential in various municipalities in Melbourne,

46 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Top left: Women in White unite! Photo Credit: Kindly supplied by Blueprint Studio and Studiohouse Photography. > Top right: Making fairy houses. Family oriented workshop held at Montsalvat, designed to inspire families to create beautiful memories. Sponsored by Montsalvat and Bunnings, many fairy houses were created and donated to the fundraiser. > Above left Painting Hopestones. Victims of Family Violence with AFP and Victoria Police members building trust and providing an opportunity for victims and the community to be heard. including areas such as Hume, Moreland, of all faiths and cultures to come of hope, empowerment and confidence Darebin, Nillumbik and Whittlesea. together is generously sponsored by the deeply resonating with those at the Participants have painted hope stones, Hume Council. workshops. made candles, crystal sun catchers, The second WIW gala will be an mosaic mandalas, terracotta pot fairy executive event and hosted by the SOME WOMEN ARE LOST IN houses (children’s activity) and platters Islamic Museum of Australia. It will be THE FIRE…SOME WOMEN ARE in water colours. Three large community held on 24 November - on the eve BUILT FROM IT mosaic artworks created by participants of International Elimination of Family During the workshops the concept have made their way to the workshops; Violence Day - with Rosie Batty as that a simple phone call to a sister, and will be auctioned at two WIW gala guest speaker. All proceeds from this a friend, or a loved one, might well events later this year. event will be donated to the Luke Batty save a life was reinforced, along with The art and crafts produced - with Foundation. a greater understanding of emergency the support of Bunnings - will be sold The WIW project is supported by and local services available to at a night market at the women’s local councils, the Victoria Police Family community members. only Arabian Nights themed Gala on Violence Unit, the Metropolitan Fire The entire community are united in the 6 October 2017; organised by female Brigade, the Country Fire Authority, belief that every child’s home should be Islamic community leaders. the Islamic Museum of Australia and a place of sanctuary, that every husband All proceeds will go to support the In Bunnings stores all over Melbourne. should be the protector of his family and Touch Family Violence Support Centre. It gives the AFP a platform to engage that everyone regardless of gender, race The grass roots event inviting women with the community - with the message or religion - should be safe.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 47 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Challenges of policing in outback Australia A Northern Territory policewoman has thrown open the doors of her home to victims of family violence.

Media and Corporate Communications Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

he home of Aboriginal Community Police Officer Bettina Danganbarr Thas been a safe house to dozens of victims of family violence in the community of Galiwinku, about 500km east of Darwin. She is now leading the campaign for a dedicated women’s shelter to be built in the community. In many serious family violence cases in Galiwinku, women are flown 120 kilometres to Nhulunbuy and their children cannot go with them. “That's an expensive trip and some ladies have five or six or more kids,” Officer Danganbarr said. “We can't fit them on the plane so their kids get left behind and they're not looked after. “If they don’t have a safe place to sleep, they often don’t go to school the next day and there’s negative flow on effects from these situations.” Officer Danganbarr is a well-liked Yolgnu elder at Galiwinku. She said while she embraces her leadership role in the community, it is not without its everything settles they can go back to In the past three years, the community challenges. their family.” has developed the stages needed to “Everyone knows you – they know Officer Danganbarr said an incident strengthen safety in the community and your family and where you live and they where the husband of a victim sheltering have sourced funding and a plan for the will come to your house when there is at her home came over in the middle of Galiwinku Women’s Space to become a trouble. People see me everywhere – at the night was the catalyst for her to start reality in the near future. the football, ceremony, the shops. They campaigning for the shelter’s construction. “Being Yolgnu makes me a good and contact me 24/7 for all sorts of reasons. “It was pretty scary for the kids,” she said. strong Aboriginal Community Police “I want to help my community but it is "It was that incident which made me Officer – with the right mind and right not always easy on me and my children. think we need to have a special place." I tend to be seen more as a counsellor. Officer Danganbarr said she always has heart for my people and my community If there's a woman who needs shelter, they faith in the community to do what needs as well as for the police,” she said. tend to come and seek it from my house. to be done. Her motto: Sometimes they bring their children “We need to trust local Yolgnu people BUKUDJULNGIMIRR LIMURR DJAMA and it's just a matter of finding somewhere to have the solutions and allow us to do WANGANYNGUR – “Please, let’s work safe for a night or two, and when it our way.” together”.

48 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Top: Indigenous artwork. > Middle: Bettina out policing. > Bottom: Bettina community engagement.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 49 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Ayan with his father at the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Support Group meeting November 2014. Every child matters An Australian-based, not-for-profit organisation has saved the lives of thousands of children overseas who were dying due to a lack of medicine, inadequate healthcare and support.

Cath Cole Chief Inspector, Staff Officer to the Human Resources Commander, NSW Police Force - adapted from a story by Traci Palladino, NSW Police Force

or the past ten years I have been working with Dr Kate Armstrong, CLAN’S FIVE PILLARS Fwho I met through the AsiaLink 1. Access to affordable medication Leaders Program, to improve the quality and equipment of life of children living with a range of 2. Education (of children, families, chronic health conditions in resource health professionals, policy makers poor settings. and the international community), The sad reality is that in resource- Research & Advocacy poor settings any child with a chronic 3. Optimal medical management CLAN came about through Kate health condition is vulnerable to (primary, secondary & tertiary researching the internet about a little entirely preventable disability and prevention, with a bio-psycho- known congenital condition that death. Through CLAN’s work the lives of social focus) her son was born with that requires thousands of children who would have 4. Encouragement of Family lifetime medication. Kate talks of her died or become morbidly disabled have Support Group networks experience as terrifying and given the been positively impacted. CLAN focuses 5. Alleviation of poverty by positive outlook for her son, now 18, efforts on ‘five pillars’ developed through reducing financial burdens and she is overwhelmingly grateful that she community consultation, identifying helping families to find a pathway escaped the horror of losing a child what families really need when faced to financial independence simply because Australian families have with this dire situation. access to quality medical support.

50 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

Research through the Internet led Dr organisations working to raise awareness CLAN has been committed to this Armstrong to Vietnam where she found of the rights of children affected by non- important campaign for change for children were dying from the same communicable diseases (NCDs). CLAN girls to receive quality education and condition unnecessarily. Connecting served as the founding secretariat of health services and end discrimination with pharmaceutical companies - NCD Child which delivered a number of and violence against girls, and harmful Alphapharm and Bristol-Myers Squibb, research papers and two international practices like child marriage. Kate arranged for enough free medicine conferences – San Francisco in 2012 Underpinned by the United Nations to keep all of the children in Vietnam and Trinidad & Tobago in 2014 with over Convention of the Rights of the Child, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia 450 actual and on line participants from CLAN works in other ways to ensure the (CAH) alive for three years. Since across the globe focusing on the impact girls, young women and mothers are provided for and positively influenced. CLAN’s partnership with children’s "It is truly humbling to be part of hospitals around the world has resulted in less deaths and less morbidity for the chain to save a life, but it’s truly both sexes. Support groups are key to families and their children knowing that something else when you are able to they are not alone, this is particularly help so many." important for mothers. For children and young people, some of the conditions then CLAN has been working with of NCDs on children and young people. government and the senior medical Through the work of NCD Child and fraternity in Vietnam and Australia to CLAN, Kate and I have engaged with BRAVE AYAN establish the structured, long-term members of Australian consular offices, I was particularly touched by the solutions that are now in place. In a ambassadors, Australian government experience of a boy in Pakistan, few short years there are more than departments and world leaders in five year old Ayan, who has brittle 1000 children thriving with controlled health in their efforts to raise the profile bone disease. When his family CAH in Vietnam. It is truly humbling of these issues at the highest levels. brought him to one of our support to be part of the chain to save a life, Kate and I most recently attended groups he was very weak and but it’s truly something else when you the 70th World Health Assembly held could only lie down. He was so are able to help so many. Our most by the World Health Organisation in depressed, he couldn’t even smile. significant success in Vietnam following Geneva Switzerland. NCDs were high CLAN introduced Ayan’s doctor, extensive lobbying was for the Minister on the agenda and mental health was a Dr Nasir Saddal in Pakistan to Prof for Health to approve the import of constant theme running through these David Little from the Children’s essential medicines to save the lives discussions. This theme resonated with Hospital at Westmead who had of children. me given the work we do in Human developed a telescopic rod for Resources to minimise the impact of children with this condition. The GROWING IMPACT policing to officer health and wellbeing. rods are implanted into patients’ In 2017 CLAN has grown to the It was such a privilege to be present legs and lengthen as the child point where the team has made an at this forum and see how decisions grows. Prof Little has generously incalculable difference. CLAN’s strategic regarding global health issues are offered to share the patent with framework for action now operates made. Importantly, CLAN had many CLAN for $1 so that all children in Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, opportunities to learn and network in Pakistan and other low to Pakistan, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Guyana, with other likeminded people and middle income countries can and Fiji improving the quality of life organisations from across the globe. afford access to this essential of children with a range of chronic Reconnecting with key officials that we surgical treatment. conditions, including CAH, diabetes, met while in Trinidad & Tobago resulted The next time I met with Ayan, autism, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle in a refreshed commitment to high level I did not recognise him, rod bone disease), nephrotic syndrome, policy change for the Caribbean region surgery had made such a nodding disease, polio and Duchenne to include children in the discourse difference to him. He was able muscular dystrophy. around NCDs. to sit and move around on his bottom and he was as cheeky RALLYING WORLD LEADERS CLAN’S EFFORT FOR WOMEN and happy as any six year old boy In 2011, when the United Nations AND GIRLS had a right to be. held a high level meeting on non- In September 2010, the UN Secretary- The surgery had made the most communicable diseases, Dr Armstrong General Ban Ki-moon launched Every amazing difference to his life. was invited to speak at the UN General Woman Every Child - a global movement Ayan also told me that attending Assembly to share the voices of the that mobilizes and intensifies international the support group meeting made children and families CLAN works with. and national action by governments, him realise he wasn’t alone. As a result of this, CLAN was asked multilaterals, the private sector and Receiving treatment means he to spearhead a working party that civil society to address the major health now has hope that one day soon eventually saw the establishment of challenges facing women, children and he might walk and go to school. NCD Child, an international coalition of adolescents around the world.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 51 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

situation that we know in Australia where we have access to the best health care, private rooms and private consultations with the doctors of our choice. NAVIGATING SUCCESS It has been an incredible experience with navigating cultural barriers a priority to ensure our efforts have the best outcomes for the children we are working for. Aside from culture, size, scope and reach are also significant challenges. Pakistan, for example, has a population exceeding 200 million. Karachi has a population just shy of Australia and is in the province of Sindh where over 40 million or one fifth of the population reside. Sustainable change must be driven at the national level for it to be truly embedded and this is why CLAN commits energy to working with government, health professionals and families. We can all play a role to improve the lives of others which contribute to making this world a better place for future generations to come. If you are thinking about doing something don’t think - you can’t do it, you don’t know anything. I didn’t know the first thing about running a not for profit organization or anything from a medical perspective. However, my policing and managerial experiences have been an asset to CLAN in setting up a transparent and effective governance structure and building rigour into our programs and projects. > Ayan in July 2015 following rod implant surgery. are more likely to attract discrimination inclusion of important medicines on the because of deformity or difference, so Children’s Essential Medicines List which meeting together adds real value to their means automatic inclusion on the Adult quality of life knowing that they are not Essential Medicines List. alone and are supported in this community Our microfinance program in Surabaya by their health professionals and CLAN. We Indonesia was targeted at funding women. work with the support groups and with In this program we financed families who the health professionals to provide families made sandals, sold chickens and food road resources and education to empower them side. All paid back their loans allowing CLAN in managing these conditions in the home. to facilitate second and third round loans. CLAN also works hard to ensure With Kate and other CLAN team sustainable and affordable supplies of members I have travelled to Pakistan three medication and equipment so that families times across an 18 month period in 2014- don’t have to buy these through the 2015 to ensure the funding is distributed black market as this furthers the spiral into appropriately, to galvanise support among poverty. One of CLAN’s markers for success the local political and medical fraternity is getting children to school. Either the and, most importantly, to visit the child is too ill, the family can’t afford it or the children and families we are working for. Chief Inspector Cole is also child does not feel safe from discrimination The NICH is the largest children’s dedicated to her police family. or bullying because the school lacks hospital in Karachi, which deals She is a volunteer and has been understanding that NCDs are not with 150,000 visits to accident and on the Board of Directors NSW communicable. Getting children to attend emergency, performs 10,000 surgeries Police Legacy. school is hugely important as education is and treats 1,000,000 patients in a CLAN’s website: key to breaking the cycle of poverty. year for free. Visiting this hospital was http://www.clanchildhealth.org CLAN has also lobbied the World an overwhelming experience from Twitter #leavenochildbehind health Organisation successfully with the a number of perspectives, it is not a

52 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 53 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Indigenous Family Violence Policing Conference Alice Springs was the safest place to be in June when hundreds of police officers came to the town to participate in the Inaugural Indigenous Family Violence Policing Conference, held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

Media and Corporate Communications Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

> Welcome to Country. > Reptiles on display.

ustralia’s centre is an extraordinary experiencing the picturesque landscape The conference encouraged delegates place, the spiritual and symbolic of Standley Chasm. to identify one initiative or idea that Aheart of the country, so it was The feedback from delegates attending they could implement back in their appropriate to invite police officers, was that this was a ‘Bucket List’ opportunity. jurisdiction or through their workplace. ministers, senior executive and those It really set the scene for the discussions to To demonstrate this effectively a range of working in the anti-violence fields, to be had at the conference and provided initiatives from across the country were share in honest and rigorous discussions a first-hand insight into the day-to- showcased in a ‘Lightning Round’. about what is, and isn’t, working to day challenges and beauty of a remote Six projects were allocated their own reduce violence in remote Australian Indigenous community. space and delegates moved around the communities. As Master of Ceremonies, Indigenous Convention Centre hearing about each While the flavour of most conferences Australian celebrity and satirical TV star of project for a 10-minute segment. This was involves an array of speakers in a room ‘Black Comedy,’ Steven Oliver set the tone a great opportunity for delegates to break with PowerPoint presentations, the of the Conference with his witty repertoire free from the one-way communication Indigenous Family Violence Conference and energetic approach to a topic that is setting of a conference. Many of these took delegates on a cultural tour to a undoubtedly a national epidemic. presentations were delivered as a team with remote community. Presentations from a range of leaders Indigenous representatives speaking about Within moments of arriving in the in the family violence fields including how their community accepted the project community of Hermannsburg, 120km senior police members from across the and how they made it work in their region. west of Alice Springs, delegates were country, doctors and professors in the Feedback from delegates was that this greeted with a ‘Welcome to Country’ anti-violence fields and Chief Executive was a unique aspect of the conference and song and dance from the local Aranda Officers from a range of stakeholder while some groups had not finished their people and were taught ‘Kumbaya’ in groups and research-based organisations presentation as other groups were moving traditional language. such as Australia’s National Research through, it added to the enjoyment of this Delegates engaged with the local Organisation for Women’s Safety, part of the project and also encouraged school group, rangers, the health clinic, provided an extensive showcase of delegates to be patient when listening local police and the various industries what initiatives are happening across to Indigenous representatives explaining and workplaces in Hermannsburg before the country. their culture and their community.

54 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and NT Police reps with Kevin Sheedy.

> NTFRS Watch Commander Nick Bell and Commissioner of NT Police Reece Kershaw. > Standley Chasm.

With live snakes and goannas, which was distributed to the Alice networking will continue Indigenous dancers, youth performances Springs Women’s Shelter, Men’s Shed • More engagement from Indigenous from Drum Atweme, delegates had the and NO MORE Campaign, engaging representatives and gender opportunity to participate in some dance sporting clubs to develop Domestic equality will comprise future whilst enjoying the spectacular view of Violence Action Plans and consequences presentations the MacDonnell Ranges. within their club for poor behaviour. • More networking and workshop One of the moving stories from this Whilst raising funds is a great outcome, opportunities discussing solutions will event was when Aboriginal Liaison the conference was about sharing be explored Officer for the Northern Territory Police initiatives and identifying opportunities An attendee praised police for Force, Charlie Michael, affectionately that will reduce violence in remote taking the initiative to host this known as ‘Ringo’ was invited to the NO communities. conference stating; MORE Violence Ball at the end of the Bringing people together for a few “I came away with the overriding conference. days to talk is a start but it’s not a impression that the Police in particular Concerned he had nothing appropriate solution. Throughout the conference, are developing a range of innovative to wear, the event coordinator struck a delegates heard about the status of and practical solutions (both Northern deal that he could wear a donated suit as Indigenous women in Australia and the Territory and nationally) to address family long as he was the ‘live model’ to show it horrific reality that an Aboriginal woman violence, or improve the experience of off for the live auction. is 45 times more likely to experience As Ringo donned a suit and tie for the domestic violence than a white woman. victims in the justice system. I honestly first time in his life, the significance was expected these innovations would have not lost on his work colleagues who all SO WHERE TO FROM HERE? come from academics, rather than contributed to winning the suit for Ringo • It was unanimously agreed that this cops. I now think we should look to the during the live auction. The humble conference has merit and should policing experience more closely for new officer was quite choked up and said he continue, ideally passed through to solutions and approaches.” “felt fabulous. Thank you”. other jurisdictions to take the lead. Watch this space for more The conference and NO MORE Violence • An advisory group will be developed advancements of the Indigenous Family Ball raised an overwhelming $80,000 from conference attendees to ensure Violence Policing Conference.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 55 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

Delivering inclusion by supporting women: NSW Police Force White Ribbon Accreditation The NSW Police Force has been recognised for its leadership in prioritising the reduction of violence against women and strengthening a work culture of respect and equality.

Dominique Burke Policy and Programs Officer, Workplace Relations and Equity Unit, New South Wales Police Force

he NSW Police Force has been employees and encourages them to “We need to challenge and change accredited as a ‘White Ribbon be respectful across all areas of the disrespectful values, attitudes and TWorkplace’ after undertaking the organisation,” Supt Craner said. behaviours – and as a White Ribbon 18-month White Ribbon Workplace “Research shows that one in three Workplace, we’re one step closer to Accreditation Program. The program women experience physical and/ achieving that”. recognises workplaces that are taking or sexual violence carried out by Human Resources Commander, active steps to stop violence against someone they know – which reflects the Assistant Commissioner Carlene women and promote respectful seriousness and scope of this issue. York, also said “Prevention of relationships and gender equality within “We also know that victims of violence against women commences the workplace. domestic and family violence may with creating a culture of gender As part of the accreditation program, disclose abuse to a manager or equality and promotion of respectful the NSW Police Force formed a working supervisor. The challenges of this are relationships between men and women. group led by the Human Resources two-fold; it’s clearly traumatic for victims “The NSWPF is committed to fostering Command, completed staff surveys to make that disclosure and can also be a respectful, equitable, diverse and measuring attitudes and knowledge of stressful for managers to respond to,” inclusive workforce. We are also violence against women, and prepared a Supt Craner said. committed to maintaining a safe and post-accreditation action plan. “This means that training, support and ethical workplace in which all employees The organisation also collated evidence most importantly leadership are critical are valued, supported and feel safe to of adherence to 15 criteria, including to educate employees while taking a raise issues”. effective leadership, resource allocation, stand against violence and supporting The NSWPF’s accreditation lasts a total communication, human resources policy those directly affected. of three years development, and training programs “As police, we deal with the scourge “The NSW Police Force is the only that foster a safer and more respectful of domestic and family violence at the newly accredited White Ribbon workplace, supporting employees to be coalface each and every day; however, Workplace to receive ‘Outstanding’ respectful across all spheres. we must also look within to ensure we ratings for five of 15 criteria,” White In accepting the accreditation, are maintaining a workplace built on Ribbon Australia Chairman, Professor Northern Region Domestic and equity and respect”. Nicholas Cowdery AM QC, said. Family Violence Sponsor, Detective “In NSW, police respond to more than “This achievement recognises Superintendent Chris Craner, said 145,000 incidents of domestic and family its strong and public leadership in the NSW Police Force was part of a violence each year. That equates to prioritising the reduction of violence pioneering group of workplaces driving about 400 cases every day. against women in the community, and national cultural change to prevent and “But preventing domestic and family strengthening a work culture of respect respond to violence against women. violence is not the responsibility of any one and equality.” “We’re proud to be recognised as a person, agency or organisation; it is a whole- For further information about White White Ribbon Workplace that supports of-community issue,” Supt Craner said. Ribbon, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.

56 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITYFEATURE STORY Delivering inclusion by supporting women: Northern Territory Police

Media and Corporate Communications Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

> Commissioner Kershaw at the Women’s March.

Recently an Indigenous Forum was piloted and officers from the Central > White Ribbon Day March. Australia region were invited to have their say on how to improve Indigenous orthern Territory Police, Fire and I would like this balance to be more relationships both within the agency and Emergency Services (NTPFES) have representative of the population as a externally. Nbeen on an ambitious journey of whole,” he said. The NTPFES also hosted the Inaugural diversity and inclusion since becoming the “Aside from the social and community Indigenous Family Violence Policing first police jurisdiction to achieve White rewards generated by greater numbers Conference inviting senior police, Ribbon Workplace Accreditation in 2014. of women within the Force, I believe the ministers, executives and Indigenous Three years on, the force is in the standard of policing within the Territory leaders from across Australia to have the final stage of achieving reaccreditation as a whole will benefit.” honest discussions about what is and and the whole agency is in the midst of Other initiatives that support the isn’t working on the ground in remote culture transition. reaccreditation process include the communities to reduce violence. Last year, Commissioner Reece formation of a Domestic and Family The diversity and inclusion project Kershaw announced the NTPFES would Violence Committee, the undertaking is ongoing and continually evolving in recruit an equal number of men and of a People Pulse Survey, with training the NT. women. initiatives to support diversity, a Diversity “Diversity is being invited to the party, “Women currently account for 28 and Inclusion unit and a range of inclusion is being asked to dance.” per cent of emergency service staff. Indigenous advancement opportunities. Verna Myers

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 57 SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

Delivering inclusion by supporting women: Tasmania Police Tasmania Police has long supported the national White Ribbon campaign and actively sought innovative ways to end men’s violence against women and children by raising awareness within the organisation and across the broader community.

our years ago, discussions were initiated by a small group of men Fand women about forming a local White Ribbon committee in the northern Tasmanian city of Launceston. There was an obvious gap in community and local awareness of issues around family violence, and the impact upon women and children. Holy Trinity Anglican Church Reverend, Warwick Cuthbertson, and Zonta Club Secretary, Carol Fuller, set about co-opting key people in the region, mostly men, to form a local group of ambassadors and supporters as part of the White Ribbon Australia. Since then, the group has grown expediently to some 25 ambassadors and supporters who champion, organise and participate in a wide range of awareness and education activities aimed at preventing family violence. Membership now extends to local members of parliament, councillors, prominent members in education, police, fire and emergency services and more recently, the key migrant resource and education centre representatives. The group meets monthly and organises broader community participation and support for significant White Ribbon events throughout the year. The ‘Brunch in the Bays’; a large morning tea held at the local fire station > Commissioner Darren Hine, community members and police raising awareness of violence against and followed by the White Ribbon street women at the recent community BBQ at Bridgewater PCYC. march to the Launceston City Mall, is the premier event for the committee and Ribbon through guest presentations and Everyone has a role to play in occurs annually on White Ribbon Day – workshops. preventing violence against women November 25. The popularity of event Recently, at the request of Rotary and children. The Launceston White is clearly growing amongst the general Tasmania, as a member of the Ribbon Committee is just one example community and stakeholders; due in no Launceston White Ribbon Committee, of what a community can do with small part to the hard work by the local Commander Brett Smith of Tasmania the right degree of motivation, drive, organising committee. Police addressed the Rotary State commitment and initiative that is The group also hosts an annual mid- Conference with a view to collaborating focussed toward changing attitudes and year White Ribbon breakfast, provides with Rotary Tasmania as a community behaviours toward family violence in our support to Harcourt’s Launceston Real- partner with White Ribbon Australia. community. estate with their own White Ribbon That partnership has since been formed; In Southern Tasmania, a recent campaign as well as taking every the first of a kind for Rotary within community barbecue at the Bridgewater opportunity the raise the profile of White Australia. PCYC, encouraged people to talk about

58 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

> Premier Will Hodgman cooking up a storm at the recent Bridgewater PCYC White Ribbon Day event. family violence as part of Tasmania is for the White Ribbon Workplace and the hard work of the original White Police’s involvement in White Ribbon. Accreditation Program to be Ribbon Steering Committee. Encouraging people and communities implemented across all Tasmanian DPFEM has commenced post- to talk about the issue of family violence Government agencies. The Department accreditation activities that will is just one of the ways that Tasmania of Police, Fire and Emergency address key actions outlined in the Police is tackling the problem under the Management (DPFEM) commenced three year DPFEM White Ribbon Safe Homes, Safe Families Action Plan. the accreditation process in June 2015 Operational Plan 2016-2019, which The barbecue was co-hosted by when the Secretary, Commissioner includes areas such as Leadership, Tasmania’s Premier, Will Hodgman and Darren Hine, signed a formal White Communication and Collaboration. Police Commissioner, Darren Hine and Ribbon accreditation process agreement. DPFEM has commenced supporting organised by local members of the local By signing the agreement, DPFEM other Tasmania Government agencies Lions Club. Police, the Hobart Chargers agreed to a number of responsibilities, seeking accreditation by continuing basketball team, local students, teachers including the establishment of a White attendance at the interagency meetings and community and business leaders Ribbon Accreditation Working Group and and assisting with the delivery of were among the attendees. abiding by the policies of White Ribbon. training. In June and July this year, the Mr Hodgman highlighted that one of A significant amount of work was current White Ribbon Project Manager, the ways we can change attitudes and undertaken with the support and Sergeant Brett Saarinen, supported behaviours that lead to family violence guidance of the original White Ribbon is to get people talking about it in a Steering Committee and leadership the delivery of White Ribbon Manager safe and relaxed environment, like the provided by the then Project Champion, Training to members of other Tasmanian community barbecue. Commander Glenn Keating and then Government agencies. The White Ribbon event also Project Manager, Christine Wright. Some The DPFEM White Ribbon Steering coincided with the release of a new 855 pieces of evidence were submitted Committee is currently finalising an practice guide to help service providers to White Ribbon for assessment Action Plan to guide Tasmania Police and practitioners across Tasmania to and DPFEM was advised that it had and its fellow services’ activities over better support people experiencing successfully achieved accreditation in the next 12 months in an effort to family violence October last year. The achievement reduce the impact of violence against One of the key priorities of the would not have been possible without women, their children and the impact Safe Homes, Safe Families - Tasmania’s the commitment of the members of violence has on individuals and the Family Violence Action Plan 2015–2020 various services that comprise DPFEM community.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 59 FEATURECENTENARY STORY MILESTONES

Western Australia Police celebrates contributions, milestones and its future In all corners of Western Australia (WA), the work and achievements of women in policing is being recognised, as events to mark the 100-year anniversary are held.

Peter Field Corporate Communications Branch, Western Australia Police

ince 1917, female officers have been making their mark on WA Police Sand a huge range of events in both metropolitan and regional locations have fostered recognition of the challenging journey some of the agency’s trailblazers have experienced, to ensure women became more fully integrated into the organisation. Young and old, retired and serving, police officers and police staff – the experience has been overwhelmingly inclusive and affirming. While some of the larger scale events have been organised and managed by a small team in Perth, many have also been instigated at a local or District level as well. An event for retired women held at the WA Police Academy was well attended and meant a great deal to all invitees as they reunited with old friends and colleagues to share stories of their time in WA Police. First Class Sergeant Grade 1 (retired) Dorothy Hughes summed up the general sentiment by saying the acknowledgement of their service and the opportunity to have photographs > Top: North West Metropolitan District event. taken was fantastic. “To be amongst > Above: Intelligence Portfolio event.

60 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CENTENARY MILESTONESFEATURE STORY

> Committee visiting regional WA. serving officers, experiencing again the old camaraderie, was a step back in time and made us all very proud,” she said. WA Police Commander (Policing Innovation and Improvement) Jo McCabe said one hundred years is a significant milestone, so it’s great that as an agency so many are embracing the opportunity to pause and take stock of where we’ve been and where we still need to go. “Each event has served as a valuable forum for men and women to better understand what’s needed to shape the future,” she said. “It’s great to pay homage to the sacrifices women have made in the past - so they could contribute to frontline policing - but it’s equally important to inspire the next generation of leaders to maintain the momentum for change. "Like those before us, change won't occur without persistence and courage. The only way we'll achieve true equality is by recognising unconscious biases and continuing to tackle cultural barriers," she said. A feature of many of the events has been the inclusion of guest speakers from both inside and outside of police. “It’s been interesting to contrast the experiences of women in other sectors with our own women,” Commander McCabe said. “We know there are some specific challenges for women in >Top: Central Metropolitan District event. policing, but there are also many which >Above: Retired officers luncheon. are not unique!” A small cross-section of keynote been inspiring. Senior Constable Renai most senior female officers have faced speakers at various events includes City Gildersleeve – who is a Family Protection and overcome.” of Perth Director of Community and Officer based in Geraldton - said she Another constant theme has been Commercial Services Rebecca Moore, was a little nervous about attending her a focus on promotion and mentoring U.S. Consul General Rachel Cooke, local event initially, knowing a number of of women at all levels of the agency. Events and Sponsorship Manager at high-ranking officers would be present. Commander McCabe said the forums have Carlton and United Breweries Leigh “I quickly felt at ease in what was a very also reignited conversations around the Forsey, City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey collegial and supportive environment,” broader issue of building a culture which Roberts, Director General (Department of she said. “As a full-time police officer, values diversity. “It would be great to think Fisheries) Heather Brayford, and Deputy wife of a serving member and mother that the legacy of our celebrations will Principal (Australian Islamic College) Toni of three, I’m constantly striving to be an enduring commitment to the idea Pikos-Sallie. achieve a work / life balance. I really it’s not enough just to hire someone – The sharing of experiences by senior felt empowered by the sharing of the it’s accepting, celebrating and valuing WA Police female officers has also personal stories and the difficulties our their contribution that matters.”

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 61 CENTENARY MILESTONES Celebrating 100 years of women in policing

On the centenary of women in Victoria Police, we celebrate their legacy and look to future that has never looked better for women in law enforcement. On 28 July 1917, Victoria Police employed the first women ‘agents’ - Madge Connor and Elizabeth Beers. These pioneering women set Victoria on a comparatively progressive course for inclusion and community representation.

The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between

> Forecourt of the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance – the Victoria Police Ensign links to a proud history and military tradition L-R Mon El-Helwani, Rachel Knight, Assistant Commissioner Kevin Casey, Ensign Bearer LSC Wes Jones, Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Alexandra Morrell, Janelle Tran (Photo Credit: Senior Constable Christine Huf, Victorian Police Forensic Services Group).

Philip Green Superintendent, Victoria Police

62 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CENTENARY MILESTONES

> The future of policing. Outstanding graduate police selectees for Victoria Police Ensign Bearer (L-R) Mona El-Helwani (2011), Rachel Knight (2013), Alexandra Morrell (2015) and Janelle Tran (2009) (Photo Credit: Senior Constable Christine Huf, Victorian Police Forensic Services Group).

he devastation from the First followed in Tasmania in 2011, Detective Commissioner Selwyn Porter in 1955. In World War drove change through SC Knight was next in Adelaide in 2013 November 2015, the fourth and current Tnecessity including women and most recently, SC Alexandra Morrell Ensign was dedicated by the Victorian entering traditional male employment represented Victoria Police in Sydney. State Governor, Her Excellency Linda fields to fill labour gaps. In 1915, NSW The ensign and the significance Dessau. On the obverse, is the silver appointed the first women police with to organisations and to selected Victoria Police emblem. On the reverse is South Australia following six months ambassadors is significant and worthy of the gold Protective Services emblem. later. Victoria and Western Australia a wider understanding. The use of both of the emblems is followed in 1917 and by 1924, Victoria The first Victoria Police uniform in 1853 intended to demonstrate the unity of the and New South Wales had four women was based on that of the Royal Dragoon Protective Services as an integral part of police, South Australia had 11, Western Guard. Following South Australia as the Victoria Police. Australia six and Tasmania one. first colony to legislate a civil police The Victoria Police Ensign is housed World War II drove accelerated force, Victoria legislated to replace serving in a purpose-built cabinet at the Police changes to women in policing with military models for community safety and Academy where it stands alongside Victoria appointing their first detective law and order. It is hardly surprising that the two rifles used in the Battle of Tobruk in 1950 followed by NSW in 1971 and initial operating model in 1853 borrowed during World War II. These rifles are Queensland in 1974. heavily from military traditions and practice. used by Victoria Police Shrine Guards The connection between civil policing Police Ensign are similar to regimental when escorting the Ensign at police models and the military is interwoven colours. Police Ensign are valuable and graduations and other ceremonies. through history and remains in place to treated with great respect. Police Ensign The history, relevance, respect and this day. embody the history, spirit and traditions connection to a military past are given Victoria Police has proudly supported of the police force they represent and sharp focus in the forecourt of the Shrine some of our newest appointments as so the ambassador selected to carry of Remembrance where four of our Ambassadors and Ensign Bearers since and present their organisation’ s Ensign Victoria Police Ambassadors were joined the 2009 biennial ACWAP conference held reflect the trust, confidence and future of by Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp in Perth where Senior Constable (SC) Janelle their home jurisdiction. and Assistant Commissioner Kevin Casey Tran led the Victoria Police contingent at the The third Victoria Police Ensign who leads the People Development opening ceremony. SC Mona El-Helwani was designed and created by Chief Command.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 63 CENTENARY MILESTONES

“Our history and its importance to busy and rapidly growing western our connection with the community suburbs and according to AC Casey, was must never be undervalued” says DC a natural and easy selection as the 2009 Crisp. “Our police memorial lies in the Ensign Bearer in Perth. shadow of the Shrine as a respectful Janelle reflects on her role as Victoria though sombre link to history and our Police Ambassador and Ensign Bearer as a ongoing commitment to community” career highlight. “To network and learn from he said. Assistant Commissioner Casey inspiring and accomplished women police noted the importance of supporting was a game-changer for me”, says Janelle. CELEBRATING graduates and reflected that the selection One of the enduring ‘pearls of wisdom’ 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN POLICING “The future is a blank canvas of opportunity and the future of women in our second centenary has never looked brighter.” of the four Ambassadors from 2009 had Janelle took from Perth was to have a plan. been remarkably easy and a unanimous ‘Having a plan helps you stay focused and decision each and every time. “The future motivated in difficult times’ she says. This is a blank canvas of opportunity and the plan has helped Janelle win a Human future of women in our second centenary Rights Award in 2012, qualify as a Police has never looked brighter”, he said. Prosecutor and drive improvements in The connection to history is clear. family violence victim advocacy. However, what did it mean to the four Victoria Police Ambassadors and does MONA EL HELWANI their selection remain valid and relevant Mona El Helwani graduated from the to their careers in policing? Victoria Police Academy on 27 May 2011 before commencing on-the-job training JANELLE TRAN in Melbourne’s northern suburbs – the Prior to joining Victoria Police, Janelle Whittlesea Local Area Command. worked for 10 years in the hospitality Like Janelle, Mona considers her industry with Crown Casino in selection to carry the Victoria Police Melbourne. During her time at Crown, Ensign as a career highlight and recalls Janelle learnt that, regardless of how the feeling of pride and recognition at being and criminal analysis. Mona is a strong successful you are you need to respect selected to represent the organisation. It supporter of recognising young women everyone, from celebrity clients to was in Hobart that Mona formed enduring police at the start of their career and one’s own executive managers and professional relationships that to her, reflect hopes the current Ambassador program frontline workers. the power of friendship and importantly, continues well into the future. Janelle found her calling to policing the relevance and value of professional when she was asked to interpret for a consultation, support and networking. RACHAEL KNIGHT family friend who was a victim of an In 2011, as a then probationary constable Rachael joined Victoria Police in 2011 aggravated burglary. Fluent in Vietnamese, and then recent graduate, Mona reflects after previously working in the Public Janelle was shocked to find that there on the formative influence of connectivity. Service in Canberra. Her unanimous were very few Vietnamese police officers She recalls long and insightful discussions nomination as Ensign Bearer and Victoria and no women. She decided then and that recognised the importance of sharing Police Ambassador flagged an impressive there on her future career. their experiences of operational and start to her career. ‘Rachael stood out On starting her training, Janelle was initially non-operational policing; in addition to for all the right reasons – from the unsure that she’d made the right move. She sharing their journeys through university, day of arriving in the Yarra Local Area remembers her first day at the academy home life and work. She recalls Command’ says Inspector Kerrie Hicks. as frightening and suffering from ‘imposter’s discussions on the challenges facing Rachael grew up in Tasmania where syndrome’. Janelle says that she kept thinking each of them as women working within competitive netball was a big part of ‘Am I really meant to be here?’ though Victoria Police in different stages of their her life. She represented Tasmania from kept telling herself that she’d made the careers and as to leaving Hobart feeling the under 15’s through to open at national right decision. better equipped and more confident. championships and at the end of Year 12, Constable Tran graduated from the Victoria Mona is one of ten children and a she was awarded a netball scholarship to Police Academy on 29 March 2008 as dux mother of four. Fluent in Arabic, Mona’s the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. with an academic achievement record that previous experience in employment Rachael was selected for the Australian speaks for itself. She commenced on- services and local government laid the under-21 netball team and travelled to the-job training at Werribee in Melbourne’s foundations for her interest in intelligence Miami, Jamaica and New Zealand.

64 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CENTENARY MILESTONES

Following her scholarship at AIS, Rachael as Victoria Police Ambassador and The impact of Alex’s experience at the moved to Melbourne where she completed Ensign Bearer for Sydney in 2015 was 2015 ACWAP conference is best left to a Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in unanimous and strongly supported by her own words. Psychology before moving back to Canberra. People Development Command (PDC). “I would like to thank you all for the The chance to network, learn and think Superintendent Steve White from opportunity to attend and represent Victoria at the 2013 ACWAP conference in Adelaide PDC Foundation Training regards Alex as Police at the 9th Australasian Women remains a significant career highlight epitomising the future of policing and and Policing Conference. It was truly an for Rachael. She says that carrying the notes that her attitude and leadership honour and a privilege to be selected. Victoria Police Ensign and standing as the stood-out from early in her training. I felt a huge sense of pride carrying organisational Ambassador would always be Professional, articulate and confident, the Victoria Police Ensign for the an experience of pride and achievement. Alex was elected as Deputy Squad Opening Ceremony. Working in Melbourne’s busy inner- Leader for Squad 11 of 2014-2015 and I met many inspirational women and suburban suburbs, Rachael pursued her selected to represent the Academy recruit men, many of whom took the time interest in investigation and in 2016, she body in delivering a speech at that year’s Blue to speak with me and discuss their was selected for a detective positon at Ribbon Foundation breakfast. Superintendent individual and inspirational journeys within Yarra Crime Investigation Unit. Rachael’s White describes the speech as remarkable policing. Marching alongside more than investigative experience includes several in terms of power, delivery and impact. 700 women officers through central interesting jobs ranging from substantial Shortly before she was due to Sydney on Thursday 3 September 2015 frauds to clandestine drug laboratories. graduate, Alex fell on uneven asphalt on to celebrate 100 years of women in Rachael has no misgivings and no the Academy parade ground suffering policing in NSW will remain a highlight in hesitation in recommending a career a complex wrist fracture. Rather than my policing career.” in policing. Her own aspirations are to accept a back-office administrative Prior to joining Victoria Police, Alex continue working as a Detective and role at the Academy, Alex successfully worked as a Media Specialist for Fairfax. progress through to a specialist investigative prosecuted the opportunity for a She has qualifications in advertising and area such as Sex Crimes or Homicide return to work arrangement supporting business management. Alex is currently within the Victoria Police Crime Command. frontline police at a nearby 24 hour working in an investigative role at the station. She worked with police watch Transit Safety Division and says that her ALEXANDRA MORRELL house staff until successfully completing enthusiasm and passion for policing has As with Janelle Tran, Mona El-Helwani and her physical assessment and enjoying a not waivered since the remarkable start to Rachel Knight, AIex Morrell’s nomination proud graduation. what is likely to be a remarkable career. 2017 EXPO Come along to catch up with former colleagues and mates and discover the many post-service support services available to you!

When: Thursday 2 November, 10am – 4pm Where: Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Racecourse NSW Police Legacy Former NSW police officers, their immediate families, and current serving officers are all welcome! @NSWPoliceLegacy

BACKUP FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT FOR LIFE A NSW Police Legacy Initiative POLICELEGACYNSW.ORG.AU

NPL9825_BackupForLife_2017_EXPO_PA_A5Landscape_AW.indd 1 7/08/2017 10:01 AM THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 65 CENTENARY MILESTONES

Federal policewomen of WW2 rediscovered > In this photograph, taken in the mid-1960s, Alice Clarke (ACT 46), the first policewoman in ACT Policing, is seen seated at left with, from left to right, Joan Colman (ACT 81), Robyn Davidson (ACT 180) and Gladys Johnson (ACT 181) (Image courtesy of the AFP Museum).

With 2017 being the centenary year of federal policing in Australia, research by the AFP’s History, Traditions and Museum team has uncovered a group of women who served as federal peace officers during World War 2.

Australian Federal Police History, Traditions and Museum Team

he women of the Peace Officer Attorney-General Herbert ‘Doc’ Evatt special aptitude for training were also Guard have only been lightly returned from the USA where he noticed considered; however, “glamour girls” Treferenced in the past, but the women were employed to check passes would not be chosen for the work. discovery of painting in the Australian at American government buildings. All peace officers had the same powers War Memorial collection has added When he proposed the same idea for as police constables; however, women weight to recently uncovered wartime Australia it was estimated that about were not permitted to carry weapons. newspaper accounts of their service. 1000 women might be required. By the end of 1942, the average age for The declaration of World War 2 on 3 Another law enforcement ancestor the female peace officers was 40 with September 1939 caused a rush to enlist of the AFP, the Commonwealth most being married. By late 1943, the and a subsequent labour shortage in Investigation Branch, managed the recruitment requirements for female many essential industries. This was true for recruitment process and advertised peace officers in South Australia were the Peace Officer Guard which provided for female recruits from 25 to 40 years reviewed to extend the upper age limit security services of Commonwealth of age. The new recruits needed to be to 45, but recruits were still required to buildings and defence establishments. intelligent, tactful, firm, friendly and be of medium height and weight. Interest in recruiting women to the accustomed to being supervised by In March 1942, the pay for female Peace Officer Guard was generated after other women. Women over 40 with a peace officers was set at 60 per cent

66 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CENTENARY MILESTONES

of their male colleagues and other employment conditions included three weeks’ annual leave and sick leave benefits. To their credit, the men launched an equal pay campaign, but were not successful. As the need arose, female peace officers provided security to munitions and aircraft factories, defence establishments and significant freight and departure wharves working eight-hour shifts limited to the hours between 7am and 11pm. In addition to checking staff passes at the entrances to munitions factories and government buildings, they investigated incidents in factories that could have led to industrial action. Special duties included inspecting women’s handbags and belongings to prevent contraband such as cigarettes, tobacco, jewellery, hairpins, metal, food, matches and other flammables being taken into the dangerous factories. They also controlled traffic, performed welfare work and ensured that staff followed factory rules. The women’s uniform consisted of blue overalls with a blue felt slouch hat and badge. Another source records an officer wearing a navy-blue tunic and skirt or dress completed with a hat with a badge. Gloves were a common accessory, but were not officially part of the uniform, which was issued after the three-month probation period. The number of female peace officers > Mrs H Yeomans was among the women who answered the call to become a Commonwealth Peace peaked at 345 in June 1943. At this Officer Guard during World War 2 (Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial). time, there were 3815 peace officers in total. At the close of World War 2 in September 1945 the Peace Officer “From these early beginnings, a gradual Guard was scaled down dramatically. Men over 65 were retrenched along demand for female officers developed with all married women. It is highly likely that no women remained in service by in the federal law-enforcement the end of 1946 and the anticipated environment primarily made up of recruitment of 1000 women was never realised. the Commonwealth Police in the The next woman to enter the federal policing environment was Alice Clark national sphere and the ACT Police in 1947 who accepted a position in Canberra with what was still officially in Canberra.” referred to as the Commonwealth Police (Australian Capital Territory). made up of the Commonwealth cent of the AFP’s sworn membership. She was recruited as a constable and Police in the national sphere and Of these, 20 were previously with issued with badge number 46. Her the ACT Police in Canberra. These ACT Policing and the remainder with career lasted 20 years and she retired as two organisations were amalgamated the Commonwealth Police. The 2015- a senior constable. along with the Federal Bureau of 16 AFP Annual Report published the From these early beginnings, a Narcotics to form the AFP in late 1979. gradual demand for female officers On the first day of AFP operations number of sworn women in the AFP developed in the federal law- there were 195 sworn policewomen as 836 or just over 20 per cent of the enforcement environment primarily in service comprising almost 8 per sworn component.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 67 CHANGING CULTURE

C WO NG M P E R N ’ S Reinvigoration of

WOK WANTAIM

A D K V R RPNGC Women’s IS O O R T W Advisory Network Y NE This year the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) marks the fortieth anniversary of the inclusion of police women in the Constabulary. There are just over 6,500 police in the RPNGC with females making up around 11.5%, of the 309 Commissioned Officers, only 15 are women.

ender inequity across the whole of PNG society remains high with Gthe PNG Government introducing the Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy in 2012 to improve the situation by promoting gender equity and gender mainstreaming within the public service. One of the priority action areas of the policy is not only to increase the number of women employed within the public service by 15%, but to also increase the number of women in decision making roles. RPNGC Commissioner Gari Baki has committed to introducing a tailored GESI policy for the RPNGC, with a dedicated member tasked specifically, for several years, to develop it. The pending introduction of this policy has now become a burning issue amongst RPNGC women who hold the belief that this instrument will be a powerful tool to improve their position and standing within the RPNGC. Commissioner Baki has also identified the need to recruit more females within the RPNGC with strategies to achieve goal under development. In the interim, Commissioner Baki has demonstrated his willingness to work towards gender parity, firstly by re-establishing the position of National Coordinator, Women’s Desk with one of the aims being to identify and address issues hindering the progression of women within the organisation. Within 12 months of appointing Senior Sergeant Maryanne Yabara to the position of National Coordinator of the Women’s Desk, the Ninth National Policewomen’s Conference was held after a ten year hiatus. The conference was attended by over 450 of the 750 > RPNGC FIFA TSLOs with Commissioner BAKI. women serving in the Constabulary, with

68 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CHANGING CULTURE

one of the conference resolutions being the reactivation of the RPNGC Women’s Advisory Network. The Papua New Guinea-Australian Policing Partnership (PNG-APP), Gender Advisor, Detective Sergeant Michelle Harris (AFP) has been working closely with Senior Sergeant Yabara to achieve this goal. RPNGC WAN Coordinators have been appointed in all 21 of the Nation’s Provinces and, with the support of the Australian Government, the first RPNGC WAN Coordinators’ Workshop was held in Port Moresby earlier this year, with the RPNGC WAN President, Chief Sergeant Jennifer Aigilo, Senior Sergeant Yabara and 20 of the 21 Provincial WAN > Top: RPNGC Chief Sergeants Francisca Raphael (Provincial WAN Coordinator), Jennifer Aigilo (WAN Coordinators attending. President) & Senior Sergeant Maryanne Yabara (National Coordinator Women’s Desk). The attendees received information > Above: RPNGC Policewomen (recent graduates). and training sessions focused on improving professionalism, strengthening existing RPNGC WAN Terms of Reference said, ‘The establishment of the RPNGC communication skills, and the use of into a Constitution which clearly defines WAN compliments our commitment social media platforms. Additionally, roles and responsibilities, the establishment to ensuring that gender equality is a ‘self -care’ session was delivered by of the RPNGC WAN objectives and consistently maintained in the workplace Clinical Psychologist Dr Amie Frewen mission statement, being ‘To Support across the country, and that women are who says, ‘Great leaders know they the Empowerment and Advancement supported and encouraged to reach their face many challenging situations on a of Women within the RPNGC’, and the full potential.’ daily basis and without a clear plan for design of the RPNGC WAN logo. Other recent advancements of looking after your physical and mental In commenting on the benefits of the RPNGC WAN include improved well-being it is difficult to thrive in these attending the workshop and networking communications and proactively environments.’ event, Chief Sergeant Aigilo said, ‘The seeking and providing opportunities Representatives from the Pacific Islands inspirational guest speakers helped for professional development to a Chiefs of Police (PICP) Secretariat, New open my eyes and showed me how you broader range of police women. The Zealand Police Inspector Kevin Kneebone can break down barriers as women and effective dissemination of information and Samoa Police Constable Shalon Time reach goals that you are focused for.’ is often hindered, not only due to were special guests at the Workshop with The workshop concluded on the remoteness, but through limited Inspector Kneebone saying, ‘In addition to evening of 8 March 2017, with a function access to departmental resources such explaining the history of the PICP WAN and to celebrate International Women’s Day. as telephones, computers, with or the current projects, I revealed the future The majority of the 200 guests were without internet capabilities, and often directions and objectives of the WAN to the women from the RPNGC, Correctional even electricity. Almost every RPNGC workshop participants for consideration’. Services and the PNG Defence Force. policewoman has a personal mobile The major outcomes of the three-day Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, telephone with free limited access to workshop included the development of the Deputy Commissioner, Raphael Huafolo Facebook. RPNGC WAN has established

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 69 CHANGING CULTURE

> RPNGC WAN Coordinators with NZ Inspector Kevin Kneebone & Samoan Constable Shalon Time (PICP WAN Secretariat) & Detective Sergeant Michelle Harris (AFP).

Leadership Summits and Conferences “For the first time females within the nationally and internationally, Police RPNGC Traffic Unit were selected and Placement Programs and Certificate IV Frontline Leadership and Management successfully completed motor cycle courses. Of the twenty-nine candidates that recently commenced Officer Cadet riding courses, now forming part of Training, seven are women, with a female officer included as a member of the the motorcade team.” selection panel. a Facebook Page (@rpngcwan), created in company with Detective Sergeant The FIFA Under 20s Women’s World a member contact database for bulk Harris, recently spent several days in Cup held in PNG late last year provided email and text messaging, and produces Kimbe working together with the core an excellent opportunity for RPNGC a biannual newsletter to connect the conference planning committee. Senior policewomen to demonstrate their members and keep them informed. Sergeant Yabara said, “We are grateful capabilities, with women playing key The upcoming IW&LEC in Cairns for the ongoing support of our Police roles in all facets of the police security has motivated a surge in participation Commissioner which is allowing for the operations. This was the first such police in RPNGC events, with many of the strengthening of our network, with the operation in PNG where the utilisation provincial committees conducting ultimate goal of empowering our police of policewomen in bulk numbers fundraising in the hope of raising women.’ The theme of the conference was mandatory with the operation enough money to send members to will be, ‘United in advocating for successfully executed. the conference. Some of the activities inclusion and equal progress for all’. RPNGC male champions are slowly involve community outreach and Whilst the RPNGC still possesses emerging from within, with the awareness particularly regarding gender an organisational culture heavily Commissioner recently endorsing the based violence which is significantly weighted in favour of men, PNG-APP attendance of senior male officers at prevalent throughout the country. Advisors are leading by example and gender sensitisation training, with the Attendance figures at the RPNGC WAN subtly influencing change through desire of creating more advocates. meetings in the National Capital District strong engagement of females within After a decade of virtual stagnation, have doubled over the last twelve the workplace, creating opportunities the RPNGC WAN has regrouped and, months with 60 to 80 women now and requesting inclusion of women in with internal and external support, is regularly attending. The introduction of training who are commonly overlooked strengthening. This reinvigoration is guest speakers has assisted in increasing solely due to gender. For the first having a positive impact amongst the interest with presentations covering time females within the RPNGC Traffic RPNGC women and is step forward in the topics such as women’s health, financial Unit were selected and successfully empowerment of women. literacy and leadership development. completed motor cycle riding courses, The RPNGC WAN have officially Planning is now underway for the now forming part of the motorcade recognised Commissioner Baki for the 10th RPNGC Policewomen’s Conference team. Increased numbers of women enablement of this progress and his scheduled to take place in Kimbe, West are being selected to participate in ongoing support of women, nominating New Britain, from 5 – 8 March 2018. leadership development courses and him as a champion of change for the 2017 Senior Sergeant Maryanne Yabara, activities including AIPM programs, ACWAP Excellence in Policing Awards.

70 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CHANGING CULTURE Reflection of culture in the AFP

> Top: AFP Protective Service Officers in their daily role. > Bottom left: Team Leader for Safe Place Annie O’Connor discusses the new Safe Place initiative with AFP staff. > Bottom right: AFP men and women in policing.

he 22nd of August 2016 was an recommendations. The strategy is aimed at overcome our organisational challenges. We important day for the Australian shifting the AFP’s workplace culture from must engage and include all staff, providing TFederal Police (AFP) and particularly one of compliance to one that embraces them with a voice and a psychologically for women within the organisation. and leverages diversity and inclusion in safe environment supported by competent AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin achieving our future workforce aspirations. and inclusive leaders. Only then will we get made the important decision to reflect One of the main focus areas of the new the absolute best from all of our people. on the AFP’s culture and implement portfolio is AFP ‘Safe Place’. The formation In reflecting on issues such as gender important changes for the agency as of this area provides a ‘client focussed’ equality, diversity and a safe working a whole. The Commissioner engaged service and holistic support for members environment for staff, it was determined former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and ex-members who are experiencing, that these issues are not simply human Ms. Elizabeth Broderick to undertake an have experienced or are aware of sexual resource aspirations for the AFP, they are independent review of the organisation. assault, sexual harassment, serious a capability necessity. Subsequently the AFP released a report bullying and harassment within or Cultural reform within the AFP is now titled Cultural Change: Gender Diversity and connected to the workplace. As at July focused on visible and inspiring leadership, Inclusion in the Australian Federal Police. 2017, Safe Place had 318 cases on its effective and positive management, The report was the culmination of books. 185 of these cases have so far strong values, a vision for the future, flexible extensive consultation with more than been finalised to the staff members’ workspaces and empowered decision making. 1,000 members of the AFP, conducted satisfaction within the 11 month period Real change comes from within, over a six month period. On release of the of operation, with the rest ongoing. and the AFP is a progressive national report Commissioner Colvin announced The AFP is a proud organisation, whose organisation committed to moving the creation of a new portfolio named responsibilities are at the core of what the forward, continuing to serve the ‘Reform, Culture and Standards’. Australian community expect in terms Australian community and maximising The Reform, Culture and Standards of their safety and security. In order to staff potential. portfolio has oversight of the 24 continue to meet expectations, the AFP Cultural reform is a long term recommendations stemming from strives to show genuine commitment to undertaking for the AFP. The delivery of the report. All 24 recommendations achieving these ideals and always aspires this report has provided the AFP with have been accepted by the AFP and all to be better. the foundation and framework to build remain an ongoing focus of attention for Like any policing agency, the on 37 years of proud tradition, to be the organisation. The AFP has recently organisation must strive to reflect the more inclusive, more diverse and more launched its Diversity and Inclusion diversity of the community it serves. capable as one of Australia’s leading Strategy 2016-2026 to compliment these However, diversity on its own will not policing agencies.

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 71 CHANGING CULTURE Equal to the task South Australia Police has a strong record and reputation of achievement and is widely regarded as a high performing organisation. It is also renowned for keeping the community safe. Regrettably, an independent review of the organisation commissioned in 2016 found that some employees do not share the same dedication to the safety and welfare of their own colleagues within the workplace.

Mathew Rodda reproduced from South Australia Police, Blueprint Issue 1, 2017

> Commissioner Grant Stevens and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams show their support for gender equality. > Commissioner Grant Stevens addresses a staff seminar.

he findings in the Equal workplace that is safe, respectful effective; morale is higher; people are Opportunity Commission (EOC) and inclusive for all employees,” retained for longer and organisational TReport, publicly released on 12 Commissioner Stevens said. and individual health is better.” December 2016, provided evidence that “This report should not define all of us. Three team leaders have been sexual harassment and discrimination is What will define us is what we do, what we appointed to Project Equitas to occurring in SAPOL and has had costly say and how we act to improve our culture.” implement the recommendations across implications for individuals, workgroups Project Equitas has been established the streams of: workplace culture and and the organisation. It is clear this is to implement the 38 recommendations behaviours; leadership and accountability; a negative element of the culture that detailed in the EOC Report. Project Director, workforce management; training and requires changing. Assistant Commissioner (AC) Bryan Fahy, is development; flexible workplace culture; Commissioner Grant Stevens fully supportive of Commissioner Stevens’ dispute resolution and complaints; and responded to the release of the EOC commitment to enhancing SAPOL as an wellbeing and support services. Report and formally apologised to inclusive organisation. KPMG have been engaged to assist anyone who has been the victim of or has “Gender equity and all the positives with the development of an Organisational experienced any inappropriate behaviour, it generates is a significant aspect of Change Management model that will run in and a statement to this effect was creating a more inclusive organisation parallel with the implementation process. published and endorsed by all members and positioning SAPOL as an employer of of the Executive Leadership Team. choice,” he said. SUPPORTING STAFF “This report is the catalyst for change “The benefits are huge – organisations Several staff support mechanisms have and I am committed to building a are proven to be more productive and been introduced to assist SAPOL employees.

72 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT CHANGING CULTURE

> Detective Sergeant Scott McCudden and Sergeant Donna Beck discuss the > Officers working together to keep the community safe. EOC Review at an Employee Engagement Session.

SAFE SPACE has been established to “The Restorative Engagement Program me one day and tells me she wants to provide confidential advice and support offers a way for SAPOL employees to safely be a police officer, I will fully support her for employees who have experienced and confidentially tell their story of the choice,” SC1C Shreeve added. or are experiencing sex discrimination, harm caused and have their story heard sexual harassment or predatory and acknowledged by specially trained THE AGENDA FOR CHANGE behaviour. The external and independent senior members of SAPOL,” she said. High on the agenda is the development service is freely available to all SAPOL “Participants can speak about their of a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. employees and immediate families. experiences in a non-judgemental “This strategy will guide effort, investment “I am pleased that a number of staff environment, with the process facilitated and specific initiatives that will enable both have taken the opportunity to reach out by an EOC trained mediator. men and women, sworn and unsworn, to to SAFE SPACE and utilise their support “Restorative mediation was successfully equally realise their full potential,” Team services,” AC Fahy said. implemented by the Australian Defence Leader, Inspector Kylie Walsh said. Task Force Portus is another key Force after a similar review and the effects “We know from initial engagement initiative arising from the EOC Review. were enduring and profound.” that flexible working arrangements are a The interim investigative initiative Site visits primarily conducted by high priority for many employees, and so comprises a group of specialist Commissioner Grant Stevens and Deputy considerable effort will be placed on this investigators from various fields who are Commissioner Linda Williams in the to ensure we get it right.” charged with receiving and investigating first three months after the report’s Work will be undertaken to establish a allegations of this unacceptable release reached more than 1800 staff. coordinated approach to internal complaint behaviour within SAPOL. This was followed up with the Employee resolutions, which includes the development “Task Force Portus provides a Engagement and Senior Officers/ of a new Complaints Resolution Unit. confidential opportunity for employees Managers sessions which allowed “The creation of this unit is pivotal. to report incidents of this nature. employees to have their voices heard and It will be tasked with acting quickly on Most importantly, we are an impartial get a shared understanding of the issues. complaints and mediating outcomes, investigation team,” Investigations Sergeant Jarrod Ayres and Senior and implementing an efficient, confidential Supervisor, Detective Sergeant Simon Constable First Class (SC1C) Amber complaints management tool,” Team Bell said. Shreeve are two of the 55 staff Leader, Inspector Julie Foley said. “The team is already working on facilitators who conducted the Employee Work will also commence on a gender several investigations which have come Engagement sessions at the local level. equality advisory group representing a to light since the EOC Report.” Like many officers across SAPOL, they cross section of staff to offer advice to Facilitated by the EOC, a Restorative understand how valuable staff buy-in is in the Executive Leadership Team. Engagement Program is now available positioning SAPOL for the future. “We are now presented with a fresh for employees to have their stories heard “I see SAPOL as a ship that requires opportunity to think broadly and try different if they wish to do so. turning in the right direction. It’s not ways of doing things. Nothing is off the table One of the program’s mediators, going to be achieved through one large for consideration so it’s an exciting time Kate Jensen, describes it as a unique turn to see immediate change, it’s going to make positive change in the way we program developed by the EOC for to take small turns from everyone in the work and how we treat each other,” Team past and present employees who have organisation to ensure we are heading in Leader, Inspector Joanne Howard said. experienced sex discrimination, sexual the right direction,” Sergeant Ayres said. “Culture change by its very nature is harassment or predatory behaviour in “I want SAPOL to be a safe and inclusive challenging and can take time to get right – the workplace. workplace, so if my daughter comes to but we are in it for the long haul.”

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 73 CHANGING CULTURE

> Gender Equality Event - Panel. AFP London brings together international leaders on Gender Equality In June 2017 AFP London Post, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, hosted leaders in law enforcement, diplomacy and government from Kenya, the UK and Australia for an interactive discussion on Gender Equality: International Challenges and Strategies for Success.

he discussion featured the post welcomed UK government an effective agenda, protect the public Commissioner of the Kenyan National agencies, academia, think tanks, and maintain legitimacy was dependent TGender and Equality Commission, including RUSI and Chatham House, and on its ability to ‘look, feel and act like the Winfred Lichuma EBS, who gave the members of the diplomatic community. community we serve’. Owens further noted keynote address. AFP Commander Linda The discussion was designed to address that this necessitated the recruitment of Champion, Manager for Europe, Middle East the recommendations of the AFP’s Cultural new and diverse skill sets. She emphasised and Africa, met Commissioner Lichuma Change Report and advance the objectives the importance of honesty in tracking in Nairobi in March, while touring the of the recent Strategy for Future Capability, progress on gender equality. region to gain a better insight into law which lays the foundation for a modern, Assistant Commissioner Platz noted that enforcement and security issues. international police force that is gender- gender inequalities represented a challenge Distinguished panellists included inclusive, maintains strong international for police forces globally and formed a the United Kingdom (UK) National engagement with foreign law enforcement common thread in multiple internal AFP Crime Agency’s Director General, and values academic partnerships as reviews. Platz emphasised the importance Lynne Owens CBE QPM MA, Australia’s vehicles for research-based reform. of recognising and understanding the High Commissioner to the UK, H.E the Commissioner Lichuma spoke on the internal and external barriers women face Hon. Alexander Downer AC, and AFP diverse challenges facing gender equality in the workforce. She reiterated that Assistant Commissioner, Debbie Platz, in Kenya, including the cultural obstacles while challenges were not insurmountable, National Manager for Crime Operations. to implementation of Kenyan laws that a ‘quick fix’ would not provide a sustainable Commander Champion chaired the event. promote gender equality. The Commission solution. She referred to ‘BALANCE’, the Approximately 50 guests attended holds Government to account for its laws award-winning leadership program for from UK and foreign law enforcement, and policy frameworks, through advocacy women run by the Australian Institute including representation from the and the courts. of Police Management, as an example of National Crime Agency and the Director General Owens stressed the an effective strategy for combatting gender Metropolitan Police Service. In addition, National Crime Agency’s ability to pursue inequalities in law enforcement.

74 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE To Will or Not to Will

ccording to Benjamin Franklin, “In • the first $150,000 and all household Preparing a Will can be a relatively this world nothing can be certain, goods will be distributed to the spouse; simple and inexpensive exercise, which Aexcept death and taxes”. As we all • the balance of the estate is distributed offers your loved ones security and know, there is certainty in the paying of between the spouse and the children certainty in a time of loss and grief. tax, but in the case of death, there seems (depending on how many children Please do not hesitate to contact me if to be a common misconception that if there are). If there are two or more you have any questions or would like to you don’t have a Will, everything sorts children, the spouse will receive one discuss the preparation of a Will. itself out. Wrong. Everything does not third of the balance and the children [email protected] or sort itself out. will share in the remaining two thirds. phone (07) 3035 4000 Nowadays, with blended families and the development of superannuation, WHAT SORT OF PROBLEMS not having a Will creates difficulties MAY ARISE IF YOU DO NOT and obstacles for your loved ones. At HAVE A WILL? a time where your loved ones are Some of the common problems that I grieving, disputes with banks, account see in intestate estates include: departments for outstanding pay and • Where the deceased person owns the leave and superannuation funds is family home – as the spouse is only the last thing they wish to deal with, entitled to part of the estate, issues especially if your spouse is dependent arise with the ownership of the family upon the release of these funds home as the spouse is not entitled to to survive. full ownership unless the home is under the value of $150,000. Further issues WHY DO I NEED A WILL? arise if the children are minors and require A Will allows you to document what you independent legal representation to alter would like to occur with your assets after the intestacy laws so that the spouse may you have passed. receive full ownership of the home. • It is common for government departments WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT to require a grant of representation from HAVE A WILL? the Court in order to release the deceased Upon death, if you do not have a Will, person’s pay and leave entitlements to you are said to have died “intestate”. their spouse. However, if the deceased This means that your estate (your assets) person and their spouse own all their will be distributed in accordance with assets jointly, there is often no need for Chloe Kopilovic is a committee legislation. Each jurisdiction has its own a grant of representation to be obtained. member of ACWAP. She is also an legislation dealing with intestate estates. To help resolve this issue, the spouse is associate lawyer with Sajen Legal Taking Queensland as an example, as generally left with no option but to engage and a councillor for the Queensland a general overview, an intestate estate is a solicitor to assist in the release of Law Society. distributed as follows: their spouses pay and leave entitlements.

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THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 75 LEADERSHIP Women are leaders

Christine Nixon and Amanda Sinclair

ithin Australia, over the past by men. What this has meant is that few years, six Australian states often those of us interested in learning Whave celebrated 100 years of about leadership simply missed seeing women in policing the leadership of women. As well as The Australasian Council of Women being confronted by narrow views of and Policing celebrated a 20-year leaders either being born for such roles anniversary and in the UK, 2015 was or of mythical male leaders saving the the 100-year anniversary. Women have country, community or organisation. come a long way in policing but still Insights and ideas, we offer here have there is so much further to go. come from our observations about our Responding to the need to recognise learning from women, as well as our and encourage women in leadership in own experiences as women leaders. We all walks of life, my colleague Professor need to address aspects of leadership Amanda Sinclair and I have written where many women have encountered a book, Women Leading. The book obstacles, not due to their own qualities contains strategies and research to but due to the structural circumstances inspire you to seek opportunities to lead and systems in which they are often your own way whilst maintaining your working. Issues such as encountering health and humour. visibility and scrutiny and how women The following are edited extracts from look, their behaviour, how they speak our book about why women should be and how they think. supported to lead and some lessons I’ve Here are 4 ideas you might want to learned about leading change. consider in leading change, whether “If leadership is about change, women that’s a small team, community group or are often the best people to draw big organisation. They are distilled from place? What does it do well? What inspiration from - it makes sense to focus my own experience and that of other are some of the unspoken rules and on women if you want to learn how to effective leaders we’ve observed and challenges? What are its successes lead change. Throughout history and researched. and failures? across societies and cultures, women have had to develop ways of challenging RESPECT THOSE YOU LEAD TIMING IS EVERYTHING the status quo, of influencing their The first important lesson I learned was Coming in to Victoria police in 2001, as families, community groups and nations to take account and think about the an outsider gave me a great opportunity to become more humane, equitable and people who are in the organisation and to bring about change. The organisation inclusive. Because of the intractability respect their experience and skills. In had been through some years of turmoil, of obstacles, women have had to find the 1980’s I was young and I suppose they had lost a significant number of ingenious pathways to influence and seen by some, as a bit of a smart arse. members due to budget cuts imposed reliable means to nourish themselves I was trying to convince senior leaders by the then Liberal government and and others when encountering setbacks in the New South Wales police, about a a new young Labor government had and maintaining spirit across not just new way of working with community. been voted in. Choosing an outsider lifetimes but multigenerational changes. I remember having finished my sent a signal to the organisation and the We need to focus on, learn from, presentation a Chief inspector who community that a person with a different celebrate and support the leadership I really liked, said “thanks very much background, in this case a woman of women, putting the spotlight on Christine, what you just said means that and from New South Wales things how women have been and are leading everything I’ve ever done in my career could change. innovatively and sustainably, across a has been waste of time.” I said, “that’s diverse and wide range of sectors. not true I didn’t really say that at all”. His THE SIGNALS YOU SEND Over the history of leadership studies, comment was “maybe that’s not what Not long after my appointment as most research and writing have been by you said, but that was what I heard”. Victorian Chief Police Commissioner men. Writers about leadership derived was announced, I was advised by lessons about how to lead initially from HISTORY the Acting Chief that the Justice the military, then from bureaucracies Understand the history of the Department had called him and were that were designed, led and largely organisation and its people. Where it proposing that my swearing-in which ‘manned’ by men and more recently came from, why it was invented, what was to be a big occasion and that they from corporations set up and dominated sort of systems and practices are in would invite many members of the

76 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT LEADERSHIP

community, members of Parliament and When I ask why people chose the represent the whole of the community a range of people from within Victoria smaller, more traditional occasion, their and that you’re looking for their support. police. I asked him how other Chief reasons are: I chose the big public occasion and I Commissioners had been sworn in. He • You don’t really want a to a stand out also chose to use that as an opportunity explained it was a small ceremony at the • You want to show respect to the to give a very public speech about the leadership Centre. In his opinion, I should culture of the organisation kind of person I am. I said I am a citizen, follow the traditions that had been in • As the first woman, you wouldn’t a constable, a spouse, a daughter and a place for many years. want to be seen behaving differently woman. And all those roles were in very When I tell this story as I’ve done now from everybody else important to me and I would continue to several times to different audiences In contrast, those who choose the value all that I am. it’s very interesting to watch the bigger public occasion say that you want Women Leading is published by Melbourne reaction about what choice those in to send a signal that you are different, University Press https://www.mup.com.au/ the audience think I should have made. that you want to show you are there to books/9780522871623-women-leading

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THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 77 FEATURE STORY

78 SAFETY, INCLUSION, RESPECT, SUPPORT FEATURE STORY

Get fit, get excited and get to Mandurah!

he Australasian Police and Emergency Services (AP&ES) accompanying persons, while fostering positive physical Games, are a bi-annual event held throughout Australia and mental benefits for participants. The Games provide a Tand New Zealand. The 17th Games will be hosted within unique opportunity for the wider community to recognise the City of Mandurah, Western Australia, between the 28th the contribution made by first responders throughout October and 3rd November 2018. Australasia. The Games are open to all serving, retired members and Only an hour south of Perth, Mandurah and the Peel registered volunteers of eligible agencies. Eligible agencies Region offers everything from beautiful coastlines to Jarrah include Police and Law Enforcement Agencies and Emergency forests, all within a short drive. This diverse region is Perth’s Service Agencies. Eligible competitors are either full time or part natural adventure playground made up of the City of time employees (sworn and unsworn), registered volunteers Mandurah, and surrounding Shires of Serpentine Jarrahdale, or retired personnel from eligible agencies from Australia, New Murray, Waroona and Boddington. Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the The Organising Committee of the 2018 AP&ES Games Pacific Islands. Competitors must be 18 years or over at the invites eligible participants from the 2017 International time of the Games. Women & Law Enforcement Conference to join us in The Games seek to provide a positive sporting, cultural, Mandurah for what will be the Extraordinary Games for social and tourism experience for all competitors and Extraordinary People!

THE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN AND POLICING 79 AUSTRALASIAN COUNCIL OF WOMEN & POLICING INC. (ACWAP) ABN: 35 250 062 539

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