NSW Police and organisers of Sydney's gay and lesbian Mardi Gras have signed an accord in a bid to ensure a safe parade and party without conflict between officers and participants.
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell signed the Mardi Gras Festival Accord on behalf of the government on Friday, laying out a plan for policing the event in close cooperation with organisers.
The event was marred last year by claims of police brutality against Mardi Gras participants, including the arrest of a Sydney teenager that sparked community outrage.
Earlier this month, a magistrate dismissed the police assault and resisting arrest case against teenager Jamie Reed after video showed him being slammed to the ground by an officer during the Mardi Gras last March.
Friday's accord includes a commitment to fair policing of the event and education for officers on working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities.
Under the accord, community organisations will help police in making revellers aware that laws regarding alcohol and illegal drug use will be enforced during the festival and police drug detection will be in place.
Mardi Gras organisers said the accord recognised that the parade was one of NSW's most significant events in terms of economic benefit and improved policing was a key factor in growing the number of overseas attendees.
"The community and visitors should feel confident this announcement signifies a commitment that Mardi Gras, the police and all agencies will work together to ensure that participants and visitors are well looked after, and made to feel safe and protected, and treated fairly and equitably," they said in a statement.
