BLUESTAR
THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR.
TheAustralianFederalPoliceAssociationacknowledges thetraditionalownersandcustodiansofcountry throughoutAustraliaandacknowledgestheircontinuing connectiontoland,watersandcommunity.Wepayour respectstothepeople,theculturesandtheelderspast, presentandemerging.
ExecutiveEditor AlexCaruana|Phone(02)62851677 www.afpa.org.au
Editor BrianMcIver|brian.mciver@afpa.org.au
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
WelcometothespecialFederalElection2022editionofthe BlueStarmagazine.
TheAFPisAustralia'spremierlawenforcementagency.AFP employeesworktirelesslytokeepthepeopleofAustraliasafe fromharm,bothdomesticallyandinternationally.However,for toolong,ourmembershavenotbeenaffordedtherecognition andrespecttheydeservebyelecteddecision-makersfromacross thepoliticalspectrum.Weneedgreatersupportandmore resourcestoensurethatwecancontinuetopreventcrimeand keepAustraliasafe.
ThisiswhytheAFPAlaunched OperationRecognition.
Inconsultationwithourmembers, theAFPAdevelopedalistofelection prioritiesthatweconsidernecessary toprotectourmembersandthe Australiancommunity.
Theseprioritiesfitintofivebroadcategories.
RECOGNISINGTHETOLL
Acareerinlawenforcementisanobleprofession;however,itisalso incrediblytoughonthemindandbody.Ourmembersputtheirlives andhealthonthelineeverydaytoprotectthelivesandlivelihoods oftheirfellowAustralians.Torecognisethetollthatemploymentin lawenforcementcanhaveonemployees,weareaskingfor:
1. TheSafety,RehabilitationandCompensationAct1988 (Cth) tobeamendedtoincludeapresumptionthatAFPemployees diagnosedwithPTSDorotherpsychologicalconditions developedtheseconditionsasaresultoftheiremployment withtheAFP.
2. TheSafety,RehabilitationandCompensationAct1988 (Cth) tobeamended,inconjunctionwiththeintroductionof presumptivelegislation,torequiretheinsurertomake interimprovisionalpaymentsforAFPemployeesdiagnosed withPTSDoranotherpsychologicalconditioniftheinsurer
seekstochallengethattheinjuryiswork-related.
3. TheSafety,RehabilitationandCompensationAct1988 (Cth) tobeamendedtoremovethereductionofincapacity paymentsforAFPemployeesafter45weeks.
4.Theintroductionofa"BlueCard"formembersoftheAFP, similartothehealthcarecardsprovidedtomembersofthe AustralianDefenceForcebytheDepartmentofVeterans'Affairs.
5.TheestablishmentofaNationalCommissionerforFirst ResponderMentalHealthandSuicide,akintotheNational CommissionerforDefenceandVeteranSuicide.Inthe alternative,theremitoftheNationalCommissionerfor DefenceandVeteranSuicidebeexpandedtoincludeoversight oflawenforcementandfirstresponders,includingtheAFP.
RECOGNISINGTHEFUTURE
Thelawenforcementenvironmentisconstantlyevolving, diversifyingandcomplexifying.Asaresult,theAFPneeds additionalresourcing,staff,andaroadmapforthefuturetoensure thatpolicecanstayonestepaheadofthoseseekingtodisruptand damageourcommunities.Toachievetheseends,theAFPAis seeking:
1.TheAFPtohaveabaselineof8,500employeesby2025, fullyfundedfortheentirelengthofemployment.
2.RemovaloftheefficiencydividendfromtheAFP.
3.Alawenforcementwhitepapertoprovideprovidesa strategicreviewofAFPcapabilities,technology,and facilities,aswellasacommitmenttofullyfundany investmentinnewequipment,technology,andfacilitiesto maketheAFPaworld-leadinglawenforcementagencyfor thenext20years.
RECOGNISINGPOLICEWORK
TheAFPisoneofthemostdiverselawenforcementagencies anywhereintheworld.Ithaswide-rangingresponsibilities;however, itscorebusinessispolicing.TheAFPisapoliceforce,firstand foremost.Fortoolong,theAFPhasbeentreatedasatypicalpublic serviceagencybygovernmentsofallpersuasions.Wearerequesting:
1.TheAFPtobeexemptedfromthePublicSectorWorkplace RelationsPolicy.
Toavoidalldoubt,theAFPAisnottellingyouwho youshouldvoteforonMay21. Onlyyoucanmake thatdecision.
2.EstablishmentofaReviewPanelunderregulation61ofthe AustralianFederalPoliceRegulations2018 foremployment decisionsexcludedfromreviewbysection69Bofthe AustralianFederalPoliceAct1979.
3.ThecompositionoftheReviewPaneltoincludeAFPA representation.
4.Inthealternativetotheabove,extendingthejurisdictionof theMeritProtectionCommissionertoallowforreviewofAFP employmentandpromotiondecisions.
RECOGNISINGCOMMUNITYSAFETY
AFPemployeesgotoworkeverydaywithoneobjectiveatthe forefrontoftheirminds:tokeepAustralianssafe.Tobetter enabletheAFPtoprotectAustralians,theAFPAisaskingfor:
1.IntroductionofaNationalFirearmsRegistrytomonitorthe sale,supply,andmovementoffirearmsacrossAustralia.
2.EnactmentofFederallegislationwhichwouldonlyallow individualstopurchaseammunitionforafirearm/stheyare legallylicensedtopossess.
3.Cessationofimportationofammunitionforweaponsthatare illegaltoprivatelyowninAustralia.
4.RetentionofProtectiveServiceOfficersatallcurrent Commonwealthfacilities.
5.Amendmentstotheexistingframeworktoexpandthe capabilitiesoflawenforcementtorespondtochildexploitation.
RECOGNISINGINTEGRITY
AFPappointeesaresubjecttoincrediblystrictintegritymeasures toensurethattheorganisationisfreeofcorruption.Thisincludes oversightbytheAustralianCommissionforLawEnforcement Integrity.However,toensureintegrityisprioritisedacrossthe widerpublicservice,theAFPAisrecommending:
1.TheintroductionofaCommonwealthIntegrity/AntiCorruptionCommissionwhichprovidesthesamelevelof oversightandstandardofconductbetweenparliamentarians, seniorpublicservants,andAFPemployees.
2.EnsureanyCommonwealthIntegrity/Anti-Corruption Commissionisappropriatelyfunded,resourced,andstaffed toensurefair,just,andquickinvestigations.
3.AreviewconductedbytheSenateLegalandConstitutional AffairsLegislationCommitteeintoPartVofthe Australian FederalPoliceAct1979 andtheProfessionalStandardsUnit.
4.Amendthe AustralianFederalPoliceAct1979 toclarifythe definitionof"seriousmisconduct".
TheAFPAsenttheseprioritiestotheheadquartersoftheLiberal andNationalCoalitionparties,theAustralianLaborParty,the AustralianGreens,PaulineHanson'sOneNation,theUnited AustraliaParty,andvariousindependentcandidates.
Werequestedthattheseparties provideclearpositionstatementsoneach oftheAFPA'spriorities.Wealsoprovided partieswiththeopportunitytocontributean articletothisspecialeditionofBlueStar.
Insidethepagesofthismagazine,youwillfindarticlesbyHome AffairsMinistertheHonourableKarenAndrewsMPandShadow HomeAffairsMinister,SenatortheHonourableKristinaKeneally. Youwillalsofindresponsesfromthecampaignheadquartersof theLiberalandNationalCoalition,theAustralianLaborParty, andIndependentSenatecandidatefortheACT,DavidPocock.
Disappointingly,wedidnotreceiveresponsesfromthe AustralianGreensorClivePalmer'sUnitedAustraliaParty.
Toavoidalldoubt,theAFPAisnottellingyouwhoyoushould voteforonMay21.Onlyyoucanmakethatdecision.This magazineissimplyintendedtoinformyouaboutthepolitical parties'positionsandattitudestowardtheAFPasan organisationand,byextension,youasanAFPemployee.
Iextendmygratitudetothosewhoprovideduswitharesponse, particularlyMinisterAndrewsandSenatorKeneally.TheAFPA willcontinuetoworkcloselywithbothsidesofpoliticsto advancetheinterestsofourmembersandtheAFP.
Inunity,
AlexCaruana President AustralianFederalPoliceAssociation
President AlexCaruana
AlexCaruana,President
AFPareAustralia’s elitepoliceforce
Australia’ssafetyandsecurityismypriorityasHomeAffairsMinister–anditcanonlybedeliveredthroughastrongAFP.
Thatincludes$189millioninourrecent budgetforneworganisedstriketeams,for moreseizuresofcriminalproceedsthat canbereinvestedinouragenciesandthe community,tomanagethethreatofhigh riskterroristsinthecommunity,anda nationalregistertokeeptrackofconvicted terroristswhentheyfinishtheirjailterms.
Thisbuildsonthe$300milliondelivered inpreviousBudgetsforasustainable fundingmodelandtobuildtheAFP’snew cybercommand,andnearly$60million toexpandtheworkoftheACCCE.
I’vesaidmanytimes thattheAFPareAustralia’s elitepoliceforce.Yourresults andeffortsconstantly reinforcethat.
Importantly–theAFP’sfundingmodel includesareviewoftheAFP’sfunding situationeverythreeyears.Thesereviews ensuretheAFPremainsequippedtokeep thecommunitysafenotjustnowbutinto thefuture.
Whetheryou’rerunninginnovative internationalinvestigationslikeSpecial OperationIronside,keepingourchildren safewiththeAustralianCentretoCounter ChildExploitation(theACCCE),stopping drugsfromreachingourcommunities,or protectingourParliamentHouseand otherestablishments–youmakeareal, tangibledifferencetoourcommunity.
That’swhyI’vebeenastrongchampion fortheAFP–andwhytheMorrison Governmentwillalwaysensureyouhave thetoolsneededtokeepAustralianssafe.
STRONGRESOURCING FORASAFERCOMMUNITY
WehaveinvestedstronglyintheAFP, growingitby1000membersinthelast threeyears–from6366toarecord7440 nextfinancialyear.TheAFPnowhasan annualbudgetofover$1.7billion.
WORLDLEADINGLEGISLATIONTO TACKLEEVOLVINGCRIMINAL THREATS
It’sessentialyouhavethepowersand legislativebackingyouneedinarapidly changingthreatenvironment.
TheMorrisonGovernmentknowsthat almosteveryseriouscrimeandnational securitythreatnowhasanonline element.
That’swhywe’vecreated new powersfortheAFPandACIC toidentifyanddisrupt offendingonthedarkweb, andanewinternational productionorderframework tofast-tracktheprovisionof overseas-helddata.
Thislegislationenablespolicetoprotect
Australiansmoreeffectivelybyserving warrantsdirectlytocommunications serviceprovidersbasedoverseas,suchas FacebookandGoogle.
We’vealsocommittedtoholisticreformsto electronicsurveillancelaws–toprovide clear,transparentandusablepowers,with appropriatesafeguards,tosupportagencies tokeepourcommunitysafeonlineas technologycontinuestoevolverapidly.
GIVINGPOLICETHESUPPORTTHEY NEEDTOSUPPORTTHECOMMUNITY
MembersoftheAFPfacechallenging circumstanceseachandeveryday.Yousee, hearandexperiencethingsthatmostofus willnevereverhavetoexperience.
Weknowthatyoudeserve additionalsupport–tomake sureyoucandealwiththose challengesandmaintain yourhealth.
That’swhywecommittedover$65 milliontoimplementtheAFP’sSHIELD program–thebiggestsingleinvestment intohealthandwellbeingintheAFP’s history.UnderSHIELDtherearenow psychologistsembeddedinallregional locations,deliveringpreventive assessmentsandearlyinterventionbased services.
Inaddition,we’vereinvestedmorethan $15millioninProceedsofCrimeto supportanumberofpolicementalhealth initiatives,includingthePoliceMental HealthandWellbeingprojectand programsadministeredthroughFortem Australia.
(...)I’vebeenastrongchampionfor theAFP–and(...) theMorrison Governmentwillalwaysensure youhavethetoolsneededtokeep Australianssafe.
TheHon.KarenAndrewsMP MinisterforHomeAffairs
Wehaveconvenedacross-jurisdictional FirstResponderMentalHealthWorking grouptoprogressanationallyconsistent approachtopost-traumaticstressdisorder andotherpsychologicalinjuries.
We’llcontinuesupportingtheAFP’s ongoingworkwithComcaretofast-track PTSDclaimsprocesses,toensure interventionattheearlieststagepossible andthetimelydeliveryoftreatmentand supportservices.Andwe’llworkwiththe AFP,theAFPA,andacrossgovernmentto implementSHIELDandidentifythebest waytoensurethatcurrentandformerAFP memberscanaccesstreatmentand supportservices.
Ascustodiansofpublicsafety,the communityhasthehighestexpectationsof integrityfromAFPappointees.Wewill commissionareviewoftheAFPAct, includingPartV,toprovideassurancethat thesemechanismsachievetheirobjectives.
Yourroleinkeepingour communitysafe,and protectingourofficial institutions,supportsour robustdemocracy.
Thankyouforyourserviceandbeassured that,ifre-elected,Iwillcontinuebeinga strongvoicefortheAFPwithinCabinet–ensuringyouhavewhatyouneedtokeep usallsafe.
AstrongAFPisvital toourplanfora safe community,anda strongerfuture
Throughthepandemicwe’vefacedmanychallengestocommunitysafety–includingseriousorganisedcrimegangsexploitingopportunitiesfortheir dangeroustradeinillicitdrugs,firearmsandchildexploitation.
Crimetodayismoreorganisedand sophisticatedthaneverbefore,andits effectscontinuetoreachintotheheartsof ourcommunities.
That’swhy,undertheCoalition’splanto keepourcommunitiessafe,wehave steppedupthefightonorganised criminals–targetingtheirgangs,making suretheirillicitdrugsdon’thitourstreets, andgoingaftertheirmoney.We’re makingsuretheAFPandourlaw enforcementagencieshavethe technology,resourcesandlegislative backingtheyneedtoshutdowncriminals wherevertheyoperate–includingonthe darkweb.
We’realsoreinvestingcriminals’ill-gotten
gainsbackintotheAFPandotherlaw enforcementagenciestofundnew capabilitiestotackleevolvingcriminal threats.
TheMorrisonGovernmenthasastrong trackrecordofbeingtoughoncrimeand investinginourpolicetokeepour communitiessafe.
Are-electedMorrisonGovernmentwill keepbackingourpoliceandlaw enforcementagenciesby:
◾ Continuingourrecordfundingforthe AFP–whichhas grownby1000memberswithan annualbudgetofmore than$1.7billion;
◾ Boostingeffortstotackleserious organisedcrimeandchildexploitation withnewStrikeTeamstofocuson criminalactivityonthedarkweb;
◾ Takingmoremoneyfromcriminalsto investintocommunitysafetyprojects;
◾ Boostingthehigh-endcapabilityofour lawenforcementagenciestoensure theyhavetotoolstheyneedtotackle sophisticatedcrimenetworks;
◾ Puttinginplacethepowersandlaws policeneedtotacklecrime,including
onthedarkweb;
◾ ContinuingtofundtheAFP’s developmentandmodernisationof enhancedtechnicalcapabilitiesto catchcriminalsintheact;
◾ SupportingimplementationofSHIELD healthservices,andcontinuingour workwithStatesandTerritoriesona nationalapproachtopresumptive legislationforPTSDandother psychologicalinjuries.
◾ WorkingwiththeAFP,theAFPA,and acrossgovernmenttoimplement SHIELDandidentifythebestwayto ensurethatcurrentandformerAFP memberscanaccesstreatmentand supportservices.
TheMorrisonGovernment knowsthatastrongAFP isvitaltoourplanfora safecommunity,anda strongerfuture.
Andwe’vegotthetrackrecordtoshowwe canbetrustedtodeliverfortheAFP,sothe AFPcandeliverforthecommunity.
TheAFP’smost crucialcapability isitspeople
IamhonouredtoaccepttheinvitationfromMrCaruanaandthe AFPAtosubmitapiecetotheBlueStarMagazine.
AsShadowMinisterforHomeAffairs, IfollowtheremarkablesuccessesofAFP officersandstaffverycloselyandam privilegedtohavebeenbriefedindetail onsomeoftheextraordinaryworkyoudo thatmayneverreceivefullpublic acknowledgement.
AndIamdeeplythankfulforthealways professionalresponseoftheAFPofficersin respondingtosafetythreatsthat sometimesaccompanyelected representatives,especiallywiththe concerningriseinextremistbehaviourin ourcommunity.
Iknowthatforevery headline,therearehoursof quiet,patientandprobably frustratingworkthatsit behindthesafetyAustralians experienceeveryday.
Federalpoliceofficersperformtheir missionofprotectingAustraliansand Australia’sinterestsinanever-changing operationalenvironment.Withevery socialandtechnologicalchangethat bringsopportunitiesinpolicing,thereare
newchallengesforyoutoconfrontinthe threatlandscape.Ihavebeenimpressed athowablyandingeniouslythemembers oftheAFPhaverisentothesechallenges. ButmyLaborcolleaguesandIfirmly believethatnomattertheadvancesinthe toolsandtechnologiesthatfacilitate policingwork,theAFP’smostcrucial capabilityis–andwillremain–its people.
ThisiswhyLaborispleasedtocommitto workingwiththeAFPandAFPAon initiativesproposedaspartoftheAFPA’s OperationRecognition,shouldwehavethe privilegeofformingGovernmentinMay.
NotonlydoesLaborsee investingintheAFP’speople asacrucialinvestmentinthe AFP’soperationalcapability, butweseethisasamoral dutytosupportthosewho haveservedtoprotectus.
Theimpactofthephysicalandmental injuryfacedbyfirstrespondershasbeen recognisedwiththepassageof presumptivelegislationinTasmania, QueenslandandtheNorthernTerritory.In thesejurisdictions,itisassumedfirst responders'injuriesarework-related, unlessthereisevidencetothecontrary.
ALaborGovernmentwouldreviewhowa similarprogramcouldworkforAFP employees,inrecognitionoftheuniquely
challengingandimportantworkyou perform.
FairnesshaslongbeenpartofLabor’s ethos,sowewouldalsoreviewdisparities inserviceentitlementswhenADFandAFP membersservealongsideoneanotheron operations.
Itisessentialthatall AFPmembersareadequately recognisedandcompensated fortheimportantwork theydo.
ItisalsoimportantthattheAFPhas competitiveindustrialconditionsnotonly toattracttherighttalent,buttoalso remainapremierlawenforcementagency thatretainsitshard-workingstaff.
AfuturefederalLaborGovernmentis committedtobeingamodelemployerin allrespects,includingthroughbargaining withthepublicsectorworkforce.
UndertheMorrison-JoyceGovernment,a numberofsystemicissueshavebeen allowedtotakerootand,inmanyways,the AFPhasbeenexpectedtodomorewithless.
TheseareissuesLaborhasconsistently takenupwithGovernment,including duringSenateEstimates. Forinstance,theAFPisspendinga significantamountonexternallabour
AsShadowMinisterforHome Affairs,Ifollowtheremarkable successesofAFPofficersandstaff verycloselyandamprivilegedto havebeenbriefedindetailonsome ofthe extraordinaryworkyoudo thatmayneverreceivefull publicacknowledgement.
hire,including$14millioninjustthefirst sixmonthsof2021.
AspartofLabor'sSecureAustralianJobs Plan,anAlbaneseGovernmentwould conductanauditofemploymentwithin theAPSandlookatwherethereisan inappropriateuseoftemporarywork arrangementssuchaslabourhire,casual andback-to-backfixed-termcontract roles,andconvertthoserolestodirectly engagedAPSjobswhereappropriate.
Finally,asAnthonyAlbaneseannounced inApril,aLaborGovernmentwilldeliver anationalintegritycommissionbythe endof2022.
TheMorrison-JoyceGovernment’seraof rorts,contractsformates,scandalsand coverupsmustend.
Anempowered, independent,andresilient AFPwillbeacentralpart ofrestoringintegrityand publictrustingovernment.
Labor’spromiseistovaluethespecific professionalskillsettheAFPdelivers.We willworkwithyouandtheAFPAtoensure theAFPisrespected,fairlyremunerated andproperlyresourcedtoperformits exceptionalrole.
TheHonKristinaKeneally DeputyLeaderoftheOppositionintheAustralianSenate
Timetoprotectthose thatprotectus
Since2018,membersoftheAustralianDefenceForcehaveautomaticallyqualifiedfor freementalhealthcarewhentheytransitiontocivilianlife.Noquestionsasked-justfree, automaticmentalhealthcoverprovidedbytheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs(DVA).
Thisishowitshouldbe;mentalhealth challengesarewidespreadthroughoutthe ADFandtheydonotsimplydisappear whensomeoneisdischarged.
AccordingtoBeyondBlue, overhalfofpeopleworking inpolicingandemergency serviceshaveexperienceda traumaticeventthathas affectedthemdeeply.
Thesamestudyfoundthat10percentare livingwithprobablepost-traumaticstress disorder(PTSD);aratefarhigherthan thatofthegeneralpopulation.
Thisshouldshocknoone.Weaskour policetoputthemselvesinharm'sway everyday.Weaskthemtobeinastateof constanthypervigilance,playingtherole ofcounsellors,socialworkersandlawyers whilealsoexposingthemtohorrific experienceslikemurders,suicidesand childexploitationmaterial. Andyet,despitethiscompelling–and
troubling–data,thewaywetreattheAFP andADFaftertheyretireisworldsapart. ThereisnoDVAforthepolice.Thereisno whitecard.Thereisnogoldcard.Thereis onlyMedicare,whichcanleavemembers strugglingtoaffordtheappointments treatmenttheyneed.
Wecandobetter.
IbelievethattheAustralianGovernment owesadebttothoseitchargeswith protectingoursafety,withthatdebt extendingfarbeyondatermofservice.We recognisethisfortheADF;it’stimewedid sofortheAFP.
Iamproudtosupportthe AustralianFederalPolice Association(AFPA)intheir callforanAFPBlueCard,to matchtheentitlementsgiven undertheDVAWhiteCard.
Iwanttoseeretiredmembersgivenfree mentalhealthcareforlife,andfinancial
supportforanyinjuriesincurredthrough thelineofduty.
However,thisshouldnotdistractfrom supportingpeoplewhiletheyareinthe AFP.Ihavebeenbriefedontroubling storiesofmemberswhohavehadtofight toothandnailtoprovetheyaresuffering fromapsychologicalillnessinorderto gaincompensation.Thisisdespitethe acceptedevidencethatpoliceofficers areataheightenedriskformental healthconditions.
I’vealsobeenadvisedthatmanywho haveincurredphysicalinjuriesareleftto strugglefinanciallyifaclaimis challengedbyComcare.Nottomention theproblemswithstep-downprovisions.
IfourgoalistotrulysupporttheAFP,and providetimeforofficerstoheal, rehabilitateandre-enterwork,then changesmustbemade.Forthesereasons, IamalsoproudtosupporttheAFPAin theircallforchangestobemadetothe Safety,RehabilitationandCompensation Acttoprovideapresumptionoftruthin
IbelievethattheAustralian Governmentowesadebttothoseit chargeswithprotectingoursafety, withthatdebtextendingfar beyondatermofservice.
compensationclaimsformentalhealth, andprovisionalpaymentstohelpwith livingandmedicalexpenseswhileaclaim ismakingitswaythroughComcare.
Thesewouldn’tbeindustry-leading reformsbyanystretch,simplycommon sensemeasurestoprotectthehealthand safetyoftheAFP.
Finally,IrecognisethattheAFP,likemany federaldepartmentsandagencies,are constantlybeingaskedtotacklemore withless.Fromstrengtheningdiplomatic tieswithournearneighboursto protectingourchildrenfromexploitation, wemustproperlyequiptheAFPifweare toexpectthemtoprotectournational interests.
Initspre-electionBudget,theMorrison Governmentannounced$4.4millionto establishapolicingmuseum.WhileI celebratetheGovernment’sdecisionto recognisetheworkofpolicingservices acrossthecountry,Iask,wherearethe essentialfundsneededtoprotectthose whoprotectus?
Whereistheambitious visionfortheAFP?
Foryears,successivegovernmentshave whittledawayatagencybudgets,througha combinationofrelentlessefficiency dividendsandarbitrarystaffingcaps.
Prohibitivebargainingpolicieshavealso seenwagesacrosstheAPSeatenaway,only tobeovertakenbytheinflatingcostof living.Ifinditfranklyoutrageousthatthe AFPisthelowestpaidpoliceforceinthe country.Iwillgivemysupporttoallocating fundingbasedonthejobsweareaskingthe AFPtoundertake,whichmustbe underpinnedbyastrongvisionfortheAFP tosupportwhereweneedittogrow.
Likemanyinthecommunity,I’mtiredof politicsasusualandpolicycraftedaround politicalexpediency.IfI’mtrustedtobe electedtotheAustralianSenateasan Independent,Iwillusemypositionto helpcreateabetter,saferworking environmentfortheAFP,whichinturn willhelptheorganisationtodowhatit doesbest.
DavidPocock Community-endorsed ACTIndependentSenateCandidate
OperationRecognition: Becausefortoolong,successive governmentshavetakentheAFP forgranted
ByAFPAPresidentAlexCaruana
Asthenationmovestowardoneofthebiggestandmost importantelectionsinrecentmemory,theAustralianFederal PoliceAssociation(AFPA)hasembarkedonacampaignto supportthepeoplethatkeepAustraliansandAustraliasafe—the hardworkingmembersoftheAustralianFederalPolice(AFP).
Theelectioncampaignisheavily focusedonnationalsecurityanditsimpact onsociety.Weagreethatnationalsecurity isimportant;somethingnotoftenconsidered, however,isjusthowmuchofarolethe AFPplaysinassuringthissecurity.
Itiscommonforpeopletocorrelatenationalsecuritysolelywith whattheAustralianDefenceForce(ADF)doesandwhereitdoes it.Butthisisonlypartiallyaccurate.Iunreservedlyacknowledge thattheADFisaworld-leadingdefenceorganisationwithalong anddignifiedtraditionofservicetoAustralia.ManycurrentAFP membersservedintheADFbeforetheirpolicingcareers,and continuetoserveasreservists.TheAFPAiseternallygratefulfor theADF’sexistenceandthekindofpeopleitbuilds.
WhatAustraliansoftendon’tseeiswhatgoesoninthe background.Manyorganisationsplayaroleinthe“umbrella”of nationalsecuritywork,including:
◾ TheAFP;
◾ TheDepartmentofHomeAffairs(DHA);
◾ TheAustralianSecurityIntelligenceOrganisation(ASIO); and,
◾ TheAustralianCriminalIntelligenceCommission(ACIC) tonameafew.Alloftheseorganisationsworktogetherlocally andinternationallytoensurethatwearesafe.
Withthescopeofinvolvedagenciesextendingbeyondthe military,myfirstquestioniswhetherAustraliaactuallyneeds billionsofdollarsinvestedinsubmarines?Notduefordelivery
untildecadesintothefuture,theirannouncementcomeswhen organisationssuchastheAFParefacedwithyearlyefficiency dividendsthatstripmoneyfrompoliceresourcinganddirectly impactoperationalcapabilitiesandoutcomes.
IfaterrorismincidentoccurredinAustralia,it’snottheADFand theirsubmarinesthatwouldleadtheresponse;itwouldbestateor territoryfirstrespondersandAFPofficersreactingtotheincident, andthenjointtaskforcesinvestigatingtheincident.Likely,the investigationwouldnotinvolveanyADFmembersatall.
Anotherinsidiousdisruptortonationalsecuritythatisbecoming moreapparentispolitically-motivatedinvestigations. Backgroundagencies,especiallytheAFP,aredoingtheheavy liftinginthisenvironment;andit’stheAFPthatisusuallytasked withinvestigatingallegations(oftenspuriousandvexatious).
Sowhatshouldbedonetoresourcethisfederalpoliceforce betterwhenitissoheavilyreliedupontoprotectnational security?
ThroughtheAFPA’smajorindustrialcampaign, Operation Recognition,wehopetoseetheAFPgrowto8,500employees. Thiswouldonlyrepresenta10%increaseinthecurrent workforce,butthat10%wouldmakeaworldofdifference.
TherecentcarcrashinTasmaniainvolvingfourmembersofthe PrimeMinister’sprotectiondetailwasasadreminderofjusthow dangerouspolicingcanbe.Everysingleday,AFPofficersput theirlivesonthelineprotectingAustraliaandAustralians.More bootsonthegroundwouldmeanthattheAFP’scapabilities wouldbeguaranteedacrossallofitsfunctions.
I’llmentionjustafewofthemnow.
AFPClosePersonalProtectionmembersaresomeofthefinestin theworldatwhattheydo.TheAFPalsohashighlytrainedchild exploitation,counterterrorism,andcybercrimeinvestigators, whilethosemembersassignedtoACTPolicingkeepCanberra
streetssafe(Canberransconsistentlyregardthemselvesas feelingsaferherethanelsewhereinAustralia).TheProtective ServiceOfficerswhoguardAustralia’snationalanddefence institutionsdosoprofessionallyandwillinglyandcontributedaily toournationalsecurity.Whendeployedoverseas,theyarereadyto laydowntheirlivesforstrangers,atthesametimeasbeing threatenedwithautomaticweapons(theythemselvesareusually unarmed).
Whiletherearemanydifferentoperationalportfolioswithinthe AFP,everymemberiscognisantthatpolicingisahigh-riskcareer andthattheycouldbeexposedtothingsthateverydaycitizens aren’t.Thosethingsmayharmthemphysicallyand psychologically,yeteverydaytheystillpullontheiruniformand tackletheworstthatsocietycanthrowatthem.
Whereordinarypeoplewillrunawayfromdanger,policeofficers willruntowardsit.Itcouldbethelastactionthattheyevertake.
Theirfamilymembersunderstandthedangerstheyface.Imagine sayinggoodbyetoalovedoneinthemorning,knowingthatthey maynotcomehomethateveningduetotheactionsofsomeoneelse.
ThisiswhywelaunchedOperationRecognition.Fortoolong, successivegovernmentshavetakentheAFPforgranted.The AFP’sClosePersonalProtectionandProtectiveServiceOfficers protectthepeoplewhosettherulesfortheAFP.Ourmembers wouldlaydowntheirlivestosavethesepeople.Itistheirjob,and theydoitknowingthattheymayhavetomakethatsacrifice.
Asarewardforthisservice,theyhavebeensaddledwith:
◾ lowwagesandfreezesonincreases,
◾ enterprisebargainingpoliciesthatprecludeanypossibility ofworkplaceenhancements,
◾ nopresumptivelegislationtosupportmemberswhosustain psychologicalinjuries.
Wewon’tmentionthegovernment’sefficiencydividendsthat hamstringtheAFPincarryingoutitsoperationalduties.Howcan anoperationalpoliceservicefightcrimeandprotectAustralia andAustralianswithonehandtiedbehinditsback?
“ProtectingtheAFP”extendsnot justtotheirworkenvironmentbut alsototheworldtheyliveinafter theyendtheircareer.
ThereareformerAFPmemberswhocarrypsychologicalbattle scarsandinjuriesthatneedtreatmentbutcan’taffordit.Weneed anAFP“BlueCard”,similartotheDepartmentofVeterans’ Affairs“WhiteCard”whichprovidesfreeorheavilysubsidised preferentialmedicaltreatmentforADFveterans.AFPretirees alsosustainedtheirinjuriesprotectingthecountryand community,andyettheycan’tgetsupportorassistanceonce theirserviceisup.Psychologicalinjuriescantakeyearsto manifest,andthereisnoguidelineorruleofthumbtopredicta timeline.WebelievethatanAFPBlueCardwouldsavelivesby providingsupporttoformermemberswhohavenowhereelseto
turn.Surelyservingyourcountryandprotectingthecommunity deservesrecognition.Acareerinthepoliceiscertainly“National Service”.
Alltoooften,politicianssingthepraiseoftheAFPandthe positiveimpactoncrimetheybringabout.Forevery achievementyouseeinthemedia,therearehundredsmorethat gounrecognised.Ourmembersdon’tbecomepoliceofficersto seekglory;theysimplywishtoprotectandservetheir community.Weneedtogetbetteratrecognisingthisservice.
OperationRecognitioncomprisesan extremelyimportantsuiteof recommendationsandrequirements forimprovingtheviabilityoftheAFP anditsworkforce.It’stimeforthe peoplethatmakedecisionsto recognisethesacrificethatAFP officersmakeeverysingleday.
WearerespectfullycallingonPrimeMinisterScottMorrison, LaborleaderAnthonyAlbanese,GreensleaderAdamBandt,and theleadersofOneNation,theUnitedAustralianPartyandany othercandidatesinthe2022federalelectiontomakea commitmenttothepeoplethatprotectthembysupporting OperationRecognition.
Bydoingthis,theywouldacknowledgethehardanddangerous workAFPofficersundertakearoundtheworld—providingthem withprotectionandthepossibilityofabrighterfuture.
2022ELECTION SCORECARD
Presumptivelegislation
Provisionalcompensationpayments
RemovalofComcarestep-downprovision
IntroductionofAFPBlueCard
NationalCommissionerforFirstResponderMentalHealthand Suicides
RECOGNISINGTHETOLL
8,500staffby2025
Removalofefficiencydividend
WhitePaperintolawenforcement,includingreviewofequipment, technology,facilities,andaccommodation
ExemptionfromPublicSectorWorkplaceRelationsPolicy
EstablishmentofaReviewPanelforemploymentdecisions,including AFPArepresentation
NationalFirearmsRegistry
Tighterlawsregardingimportationandpurchaseofammunition
RetentionofAFPProtectiveServiceOfficersatCommonwealth establishments
Increasedpolicepowersinresponsetochildexploitation
EnsuringanyIntegrityCommissionisequitableforpolice
ReviewofAFPProfessionalStandards
Amendmenttodefinitionof“seriousmisconduct”intheAFPAct
