- $8.8 million investment for 15 additional Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) and one program co-ordinator
- CLOs play a key role to increase reciprocal understanding and trust between the WA Police Force and community
- Work to be expanded to the metropolitan area through additional CLO positions
- Investment part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to WA Police and keeping the State's growing community safe
The Cook Labor Government has invested $8.8 million to expand the number of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) in Western Australia's Police Force by 15 to allow policing to be delivered in a culturally appropriate, respectful, and effective manner.
The Western Australia Police Force currently employs 19 Aboriginal CLOs who play a critical role in strengthening relationships between police and Aboriginal communities.
Through their cultural knowledge and strong local ties, CLOs help ensure policing is delivered in a respectful, culturally appropriate, and effective way.
CLOs work on the ground with families and communities, supporting responses to family violence, at-risk youth, and community unrest while building trust and understanding in policing services.
With increased investment, CLOs will expand their impact through initiatives such as school visits, family violence prevention workshops, and support for vulnerable individuals and families.
Growing this workforce will allow vital services, which are currently focused in regional areas, to be expanded into metropolitan communities, ensuring more Western Australians benefit from culturally informed policing and early intervention.
As stated by Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting WA Police and investing in more Community Liaison Officers will enhance early intervention, reduce harm, and deliver better outcomes for families and young people.
"CLOs are vital in effective policing, bringing cultural knowledge and trusted relationships that strengthen engagement with Aboriginal communities.
"Expanding this workforce strengthens frontline policing and ensures culturally informed services reach more communities, including in metropolitan areas."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"Community Liaison Officers build trust through connection, cultural knowledge, and respect. They help ensure Aboriginal families and communities are supported in ways that are meaningful and locally informed.
"This investment recognises the vital role CLOs play on the ground - working alongside communities to strengthen relationships, prevent harm, and support better outcomes for Aboriginal people across Western Australia."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Investing in and valuing Community Liaison Officers isn't just good practice - it's essential for safer communities, better outcomes, and a more inclusive approach to policing.
"By strengthening culturally safe and respectful policing, CLOs are helping to ensure local knowledge and lived experience guide how services are delivered across regional WA."
