This parliamentary question scrutinises the WA Police Force's presence and costs at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference, particularly focusing on the 'Public Order Team' and the justification for the expenditure.

AnsweredQoN 489Legislative Council
Asked
11 June 2026
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

Police—Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference
489. Hon Sophie McNeill to the minister representing
the Minister for Police:
I refer to the
recent Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference that saw a significant
police presence.
(1) What was the total cost for WA police
to provide security for this defence conference?
(2) What warranted the expense referred
to in (1)?
(3) Police officers at the conference
were observed with red patches on their vests that read "Public Order Team".
How long has this team existed for and how many police are part of this team?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member
for some notice of the question. The following information has been provided to
me by the Minister for Police.
(1) The Western Australia Police Force
delivered security and public order services to this conference as part of
routine operations.
(2) The Indian Ocean Defence and Security
Conference 2026 was a major international event involving senior domestic and
international dignitaries. At the time of planning, the national terrorism
threat level was "probable" and violent protest threat assessments
were elevated.
(3) The WA Police Force has always
maintained a public order capability. The police officers referenced in this
question are from the regional operations group. The patches identify different
public order teams. Due to operational sensitivities, staffing information
below the district/divisional level is not released.

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