Federal Police Strike to Disrupt Parliament Security

Australian Federal Police Association

The Australian Federal Police Association has warned parliamentarians about upcoming industrial action that will affect security at Parliament House.

AFPA wrote to all Members of Parliament and Senators about Protected Industrial Action that would affect them and their staff, including:

  • The removal of AFP appointees from key locations including Canberra Airport and Australian Parliament House during sitting weeks;

  • Withdrawing AFP resources from federal political functions and events unless they carry a 'significant' threat rating;

  • Temporarily removing resources from Commonwealth investigations including relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Australian Taxation Office and affiliated offences.

Australian Federal Police Association President Alex Caruana warned the action would disrupt the viability of activity at Parliament House during sitting weeks.

"Our members play a vital role ensuring the safety of community members and parliamentarians. We are not taking these measures lightly, but the federal government's refusal to listen means we have no choice.

"The wages deal on offer is designed for desk job public servants who can work from home. But our members cannot arrest child predators and prevent terrorist attacks from their home office.

"Surveys of our members show nine in 10 are not being resourced to handle the pressures of their workload while eight in said have considered leaving in the past year.

"The environment inside the AFP is a tinderbox right now. About two-thirds of officers report they are prepared to look for work elsewhere if the current deal is enforced.

"We are prepared to disrupt the viability of activity at Parliament House to fight for a reasonable deal for officers who put their lives on the line every single day."

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