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for the introduction of specific cyberbullying legislation, which he hopes will replace current inadequate and outdated laws.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.
Feedback
He was so so so good! Not only me, but all my friends loved listening to him. Paul made it enjoyable and not just a scary or over used topic. Unlike some presenters that just try to "fit in" or say things that they think will be relevant to us, Paul actually understood because he's been through it and he knows what it's like. He constantly assured us and made sure we knew what it was all about and the effect it had and what we could do about it. I was genuinely interested and I was listening the whole time, wanting to take in everything. I am super excited to have him come in again.
Hi Paul, this evening over dinner my girl shared details of what she learnt today from your presentation. We spoke about social media and issues for at least an hour - couldn’t stop her talking about all the things, shocking stats, consequences etc. It was such a good positive conversation and clear learning. Tonight, was the first time I have seen her openly talk about these challenges and passionately wanting to do the right thing for herself and others. So my message - Thank you. Thank you for what you are doing, you are making a difference in the lives of children.
That is the first talk we have ever had where someone has actually spoken to us instead of just telling us off or telling us what not to do. Me and my friends spoke before the talk and thought it was going to be a typical cyber safety speech. We were so wrong. It was funny, and you were so spot on about what we are using. That was brilliant Paul and you are the best presenter we have ever seen. I can't wait to see you again next year.
