Operation Tasman: AFP keeps 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup secure
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
The AFP has wrapped up its major security operation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which saw AFP members embedded with each of the competing teams throughout the tournament.
The AFP’s Operation Tasman ran in partnership with state police to provide security to the 16 Australian-based teams and four teams travelling from New Zealand participating in the Women’s World Cup (WWC).
Specially-trained AFP Team Security Liaison Officers (TSLO) were deployed with teams across the country as part of the operation and were responsible for coordinating safety and security alongside other law enforcement partner agencies.
The all-female cohort came from various operational areas within the AFP, including investigations, community policing and protection.
Under Operation Tasman, TSLOs travelled with each Australian-based team. TSLOs resided in the hotel, travelled with the team to all training, media commitments and games. Although they had a pitch-side view of some of the most exciting games of women’s football in history, the protective security overlay for the team was always the primary focus.
The AFP’s Specialist Protective Command also provided close protection to designated Australian high office holders, foreign dignitaries and internationally-protected persons during the tournament.
AFP TSLO for Panama, Leading Senior Constable Williams, said providing an optimal, safe and secure environment for the teams competing in the WWC was a career highlight.
“I really enjoyed working collaboratively with the Panama team and sharing in their journey during the tournament. Witnessing Marta Cox score Panama’s first-ever goal and observing the significance of this moment for the team and community was incredible,” she said.
“I took great pride in representing the AFP and in execution of my duties in order to support the team and ensure the overall success of the tournament.”
AFP Acting Commander Rowena Penfold said the role of AFP officers throughout the tournament provided the teams with the ability to train, prepare and play in a secure environment, enabling them to reach their full potential.
"Operation Tasman was a dedicated protective security resource to each team based in Australia, highlighting the AFP’ s commitment to the tournament's success, as well as the depth of experience of female sworn members. This is the first time in the history of the AFP that an all-female operational response has been deployed to an all-female sporting event, led by a female Commander,” she said.
"Furthermore, Operation Tasman highlights the strength of our working relationships with both our partner agencies in state and international police agencies as well as our relationships with industry, particularly FIFA."
Connect with us:
Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.