As connectivity grows across the Pacific so does the need to support newly connected communities to have a safe and secure experience online. A world leader in online safety research, policy and education, Australia’s Office of the eSafety Commissioner, together with NetSafe NZ, hosted an online safety workshop in Sydney for delegates from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to share expertise and promote regional online safety collaboration.
Supported by DFAT’s Cyber Cooperation Program, the workshop coincided with the eSafety 19 conference on online safety. Jointly organised with New Zealand’s NetSafe, the conference showcased best practice in online safety from industry leaders, educators and academics.
The Pacific delegation included legislators, law enforcement officials, regulators, community engagement officers, as well as Fiji’s inaugural Online Safety Commissioner. Bringing together representatives from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, the Australian Federal Police and the Attorney-General’s Department the workshop shared Australia’s approaches and experience in tackling cyberbullying, image based abuse, and prohibited online content.
Pacific delegates also had the opportunity to tour the eSafety office and meet with the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and NetSafe NZ CEO Martin Cocker to discuss how Australia’s and New Zealand’s experience can inform and support Pacific online safety efforts.
