The Protective Services Group First Nations Project is a service delivery initiative designed to recruit, train, and employ local First Nations community members, deployed in their own community, as Queensland Police Service employees, in Senior Protective Services Officer roles.

The recruitment strategy will deliver a protective services capability within eight remote and discrete communities across Queensland and will provide employment for approximately 80 local First Nations community members.  This approach will reduce contracting arrangements with private security providers who currently perform this role on a fly in fly out basis. 

A pilot of the recruitment strategy has been trialled on Palm Island since 2020. The capability was expanded in November 2022 with the recruitment of a further seven Senior Protective Services Officer’s on Palm Island.  The recruitment strategy also saw the deployment of a small capability at Yarrabah, with an expansion of this capability and footprint planned during late 2023 into early 2024.   

With renewed commitment, we anticipate exciting results will continue to be realised. Better outcomes for our local community members, with sustainable secure job opportunities and enhancements to community safety, crime reduction and community engagement at Protective Services Group patrolled precincts, such as local schools and at the local court.

The First Nations ‘in communities’ Senior Protective Services Officer curriculum, is facilitated through the delivery of a culturally sensitive, fully paid, five week training program, focusing on personal, interpersonal and professional skills, as well as health and well-being and financial literacy.  Delivered at the Queensland Police Academy, North Queensland Campus, Townsville, the learning environment provides recruits with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the broader Queensland Police Service training and organisational setting and build relationships valuable in an operational context.      

Utilising First Nations mentors, including Senior Protective Services Officers and sworn police officers, both with the lived experience as operational frontline officers and first responders within the Queensland Police Service, the program leverages the benefits of ‘yarning’ to deliver the training and develop the skills to perform the role and take on the responsibilities and functions required of a Senior Protective Services Officer.  Training competencies are assessed through a tailored scenario-based training environment as opposed to a more traditional classroom theory and exam setting. 

This employment model, which recognises the knowledge, experience and understanding of local First Nations peoples, is expected to further promote harmony and self-determination around social, cultural and economic needs within these communities.  Delivering locally enhanced protective services, Protective Services Group will enhance outcomes and contribute to: 

1. Keeping the community safe,
2. Protecting local Queensland Government assets,
3. Developing stronger relationships in community, preserving the peace and reducing crime, and
4. Creating sustainable and secure employment opportunities.

The remote and discrete communities where we are committed to engaging are:

• Aurukun
• Bamaga
• Doomadgee
• Lockhart River
• Mornington Island
• Palm Island
• Woorabinda
• Yarrabah.