Paul Litherland

Making a real difference in protecting children online

Profile

Paul Litherland was a WA Police Officer for 20 years (1994 to 2014).

In 2007, Paul received a Pride of Australia Medal and in 2022, was named WA Australian of the Year. For almost 30 years, Paul has dedicated himself to the community not only as a Police Officer, but as a mentor for junior sportspeople and Aboriginal youth.

From 2008 to 2014, Paul worked in the Technology Crime Investigation Unit, becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of legislation available to act on the concerns of those who were contacting him every day for help. Whilst pressing government for change, Paul realised education was massively needed. If he could get his message out to as many schools as possible, the risks kids were being exposed to would hopefully reduce.

Current Work:

In 2019, Paul received national recognition as the leading campaigner for the introduction of Intimate Image Abuse legislation in Western Australia. Paul continues to press our government for action and is a leading figure in the drive for legislative and cultural change for the protection of children online, especially in regard to Social Networking and Online Gaming. Paul continues to press the WA Government for the introduction of specific cyberbullying legislation, which he hopes will replace current inadequate and outdated laws.

Paul is now a regular visitor to many of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and is also an advisor to organisations such as the Telethon Kids Institute, the eSafety Commission, The Commissioner for the Victims of Crime, the Stephen Michael Foundation and The Fathering Project.

In 2016 Paul was awarded a National Service Medal for his continued service to the Western Australian community. In 2019, he was a finalist in the Small Business Champion Awards and also received a nomination for the Telstra Australian Businessman of the Year.

Expertise

Talking Points
Surf Online Safe - Education & Awareness
Overcoming Hardship
Trusting the Journey

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