TSIRC Deputy Mayor calls for stronger collaboration at the 2025 Commissioner of Police First Nations Mayor Summit
This year’s Commissioners Mayors Summit, organised by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), was held in Gimuy (Cairns) on 1–2 October. The Summit brings together Police Commissioners, District Officers and Mayors to discuss current and emerging challenges faced by Indigenous communities, strengthen engagement and share practical solutions.
Over two days, six Mayors from First Nations communities had the opportunity to share their journeys, highlighting local challenges, actions taken and outcomes achieved. Key topics discussed during the Summit included drugs and alcohol in community, protecting communities from Transnational Serious Organised Crime (TSOC), and addressing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).
On Thursday, Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Deputy Mayor, Cr Ranetta Wosomo, spoke about the unique characteristics of the Torres Strait region, outlining challenges and opportunities to strengthen the security and wellbeing of communities.
Cr Wosomo emphasised the region’s significance as one of Australia’s most critical points for border protection, due to its proximity to an international border and fragile marine reef ecology.
“While the Torres Strait Treaty has been instrumental in maintaining safe and cooperative border security, we must remain vigilant against emerging challenges, including illegal fishing, biosecurity threats and economic vulnerabilities,” Cr Wosomo said.
The Deputy Mayor also highlighted the need for a whole of Government approach when implementing Blue Security and Safe Regions Strategic Plan, calling for collaboration between local Mayors, DFAT, Border Force, Biosecurity QLD Health and all levels of Police. Cr Wosomo invited the agencies to ‘look, listen and adapt’ to co-design local solutions rather than just offering solutions used in other places.
“Domestic violence, Drug trafficking, people smuggling, modern day slavery, stealing and illegal entry into our community are still major issues. It is essential for all agencies to work collaboratively to address the unique issues in the Strait,” she remarked.
While acknowledging QPS improvements such as lower response times across many islands, Cr Wosomo also pointed at opportunities to improve community safety. Some of the opportunities in community included 24 hour availability of State Police in each community, enforcement powers for liaison officers, and more community engagement and education, especially around ICE.
“Our communities feel vulnerable and having fully sworn Queensland Police Service officers living in our communities would greatly increase safety and security. When families are comfortable with Police they are more prone to report suspicious activities,” she reflected.
The annual Commissioners Mayors Summit remains an important forum for First Nations leaders and QPS to engage, discuss pressing issues, and work together towards safer communities. Outcomes from the Summit will help guide future strategies and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving safety and wellbeing across Queensland’s Indigenous communities.
