The AFP is aware of reports that claim AFP protection and resources will be withdrawn from Parliamentarians, Australian Parliament House (APH) and Canberra Airport during this sitting fortnight.
As of Monday, 8 August, 2024, it is not lawful for the AFPA to take any protected action that withdraws protection from Parliamentarians, APH or Canberra Airport during the first week of the Parliament sitting period. That is because this type of action requires five full business days' notice and a valid notice has not yet been received. That means it cannot lawfully happen this week.
If the AFP is notified of protected industrial action that could impact on next week's sitting, the AFP would strenuously oppose this application in the Fair Work Commission.
The AFP encourages the AFPA to be mindful of its language, noting any baseless suggestion that resources could lawfully be withdrawn can have a chilling impact on stakeholders and the wider public.
Just recently, the National Terror Threat was raised to Probable. The AFP is also responding to more threats against Parliamentarians.
The AFP will not tolerate any action that threatens the functioning of Australian democracy or the safety of any member of the public.
