House debates

Monday, 22 August 2011

Questions in Writing

Australian Federal Police: Enhanced Cooperation Program with Papua New Guinea (Question No. 439)

Photo of George ChristensenGeorge Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Justice, in writing, on 22 June 2011:

What is the Government doing to recognise the Australian Federal Police officers who served in the Enhanced Co-operation Program in Papua New Guinea between 2004 and 2005.

Photo of Brendan O'ConnorBrendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

Police members who serve overseas in a peacekeeping role may be entitled to the Police Overseas Service Medal (POSM). Service with the Enhanced Co-operation Program (ECP) in Papua New Guinea between 2004 and 2005 was deemed as a capacity building mission and not a peacekeeping mission. Subsequently, members who participated in the program are not entitled to the POSM. There are currently no awards within the Australian Honours system for police officers serving overseas in a capacity building role. AFP members may be nominated and receive awards under the AFP's Internal Awards Framework.