Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor with PLO of 15 years and Aurukun Traditional Owner Billy Koo’oila.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor, Aurukun Police Liaison Officer (PLO) and Traditional Owner Mr Billy Koo’oila met with local media on Wednesday to discuss the work currently being done to assist Cape York residents with returning to their communities.
PLO Koo’oila travelled from Aurukun on Monday to work with Cairns police to help spread the word to his fellow community members that it is safe for them to return home.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor praised the work that has been undertaken by multiple government and community agencies to assist in restoring calm to the Aurukun community.
“Police have been working closely with the Aurukun shire council, government agencies and members of the community to work through the points of differences that have in the past led to tensions,” Assistant Commissioner Taylor said.
“Our Police Liaison Officers especially have been able to get amongst the community and make us aware of the issues and assist with negotiating points of friction.
“PLO Koo’oila has come to Cairns this week to help police gain an understanding of why people from his community are here, what’s keeping them here and most importantly any issues associated with them either not wanting to return home or not being able to return home.
“PLO Koo’oila has a strong rapport with members of his community and is able to find out the reasons behind why his community members are here in Cairns and assist with explaining the current situation in Aurukun.
“We certainly won’t be forcing anyone to go home but it is important that we work with individuals to ensure that they have the necessary support for their long-term needs”.
PLO Koo’oila was calm and collected as he undertook his first ever media interview yesterday in Cairns.
PLO Koo’oila has spoken to a number of members from his community already this week and has highlighted the fact that it is safe for them to return home.
“Many of my community people think that the fighting is still going on. I’m here to tell them that the fighting has stopped and it is safe for them to return home,” PLO Koo’oila said.
“It is important for our community to return home so they can be safe and not living on the streets of Cairns. At home they have the help and support of their families and community services available to them.”
Last week five people returned to their home communities which included four people from Lockhart River and one person from Aurukun. Police will continue to focus on working with members from not just the Cairns and Aurukun communities, but also members of other Far Northern Cape Communities.