
Debbie Platz is the Deputy Commissioner responsible for Operations in the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES). With over 10,000 volunteers and 500 staff, Debbie ensures the communities of NSW are protected from flood, storm, and tsunami. NSW SES Operations also supports other emergency service agencies including NSW Police and NSW Rural Fire Service. Together communities are better organised to prepare for and respond to all hazard risks.
In 2017 Debbie joined the Australian Federal Police as Assistant Commissioner Crime Operations which provided a law enforcement investigative response to a diverse range of complex crime types, including sensitive investigations, cybercrime, human trafficking, people smuggling and child protection. During this time, Debbie was responsible for the development and delivery of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, bringing together the expertise of Federal, State and Territory police, non-government agencies and private industry in a collaborative national response to counter child exploitation.
Debbie joined the NSW SES in May 2023, and prior to that was the Assistant Commissioner Security & Counter Terrorism Command (SCTC), Queensland Police Service (QPS). The Command encompasses three groups to best support Queensland’s current and future counter-terrorism needs. The purpose of the Command is to prepare for, prevent and respond to threats of terrorism and other security related matters, along with ensuring safety at State Government facilities.
In July 2020 Debbie was appointed as head of the People and Culture Command, which amongst other things incorporated Taskforce HORIZON. Taskforce HORIZON and the Command were responsible for re-shaping the organisation to boost regional commands, the finalisation of a new rank structure, staff surveys, recruitment of diverse groups, police reserves and much more.
Debbie also performed the role of head of National Support Command. This Command included teams that provided covert, technical, tactical and specialist support to the AFP and State and Territory police partners.
Debbie enjoyed an extensive career with the QPS, commencing on 27 September 1985. She was heavily involved in the external performance review of QPS, an internal review of Information Communications and Technology and the 2011 Flood Crisis Review Group. Debbie also worked as the Chief of Staff to the Queensland Police Commissioner and was later in charge of the training and development of police, managing two police academies, a leadership centre, recruitment, workplace safety and wellbeing.
Debbie has a Masters of Studies (Applied Criminology) from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Masters of Business Administration from the University of the Sunshine Coast; Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary/VET) from the University of the Sunshine Coast; and is Adjunct Professor with the University of Queensland. Debbie was President of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing for over 8 years.
In 2019 Debbie was awarded the Queensland and Australian Telstra Businesswomen of the Year award for Public Sector and Academia.