Former Australian Officer Takes Senior PNG Police Role

EAST New Britain police will now be led by former Australian Federal Police officer Amanda Kates following her appointment as provincial police commander in Papua New Guinea.

 Former Australian Officer Takes Senior PNG Police Role/Photo supplied

Police Commissioner David Manning announced the appointment during a swearing-in ceremony at police headquarters, saying the experienced officer would help strengthen leadership and support policing operations in the province.

Mr Manning said Chief Supt Kates was already familiar with Papua New Guinea after previously serving in the country through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership.

He said her experience would help local officers focus on operational policing, investigations and community safety while she provides direction at the provincial command level.

Chief Supt Kates has served more than three decades with the Australian Federal Police and held senior command roles in both Australia and the Pacific region.

Mr Manning said her appointment reflected the Constabulary’s commitment to building stronger leadership while also encouraging more women to take up senior positions within the force.

He said East New Britain would benefit from her knowledge, experience and understanding of policing challenges faced across PNG communities.

“This is about strengthening the leadership and mentoring of tomorrow’s police leaders,” Mr Manning said.

“Kates’ experience allows our national officers in East New Britain to focus on frontline policing, investigations, and community safety, while she provides the strategic leadership required at the provincial level.”

“We are building a Constabulary where women can lead at every level. Kates joins a growing group of women who have stepped into major command roles, and there will be more,” he said.