Hon Liza Harvey MLA — New era in fight against child exploitation

WA Police will now work alongside the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to target online child exploitation as part of the new Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET).

Police Minister Liza Harvey said officers from the WA Police Sex Crime Division would share intelligence and literally work alongside the AFP’s Child Protection Operations in Perth.

“By working together, police agencies across the country will be more efficient in investigating and helping to combat the sexual exploitation of children,” Mrs Harvey said.

The Minister said the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies marked a new era of collaboration in the continued fight against child exploitation.

The agreement will reduce the layers of bureaucracy, and help share intelligence, computer systems and provide access to State and Commonwealth laws in an instant.

“Protecting our children is our first priority. In WA, the JACET will work specifically to target those seeking to procure and groom children,” Mrs Harvey said.

Western Australia joins Victoria in the JACET and will see police work under a new streamlined framework.

Under this model, the method of referral and co-ordination of matters nationally and internationally will ensure an even more efficient and effective response to child protection efforts across Australia.

“A crucial aspect of the investigation into child exploitation is ensuring a rapid response to intelligence received,” the Minister said.

“This model will provide greater engagement with industry, non-government authorities and academics, to ensure a unified approach.”