The AFPA has reviewed the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) 13 October 2026 announcement outlining the Commonwealth Government’s proposed pay increases for the next round of Australian Public Service (APS) enterprise bargaining.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s $630 million investment in essential worker remuneration and called on the Commonwealth to consider a similar commitment to addressing recruitment, retention and remuneration pressures within the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The Government’s announcement will support wage increases for more than 460,000 workers across the health, disability and community services sectors following Fair Work Commission decisions addressing the historical undervaluation of work in predominantly female-dominated industries.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the announcement demonstrated the Government’s willingness to provide additional funding to support fair remuneration while maintaining essential services.
It also raises concerns about whether the proposed increases will genuinely improve employees’ financial circumstances when inflation and the rising cost of living are considered.
“We welcome the Government’s investment in care-sector workers. They deserve fair remuneration, and we support the decision to recognise the value of their work.
“This announcement also demonstrates that the Commonwealth is prepared to invest additional funding where there is a clear workforce need. We believe the same consideration should be given to the AFP,” Mr Caruana said.
Currently, the AFP competes directly with state and territory police services for experienced officers and new recruits but remains constrained by Commonwealth bargaining arrangements that limit its ability to offer competitive remuneration and conditions.
Mr Caruana said that AFP and ACT Policing, police officers, Protective Service Officers and other appointees investigate serious and organised crime, terrorism and child exploitation, while protecting Parliament House, airports and critical national security facilities, including Pine Gap, Exmouth and Geraldton.
“These responsibilities require highly skilled personnel, yet the AFP remains subject to bargaining restrictions that do not adequately reflect the demands of federal policing.”
“Under the Australian Government Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy 2026, remuneration adjustments must operate within government parameters, with costs funded from existing agency budgets.
“This requires the AFP to absorb remuneration increases within its existing budget, risking placing workforce investment in competition with operational priorities.
“Police remuneration should not have to compete with the resources needed to investigate serious crime, protect national security facilities or maintain frontline policing capabilities. The AFP is not an ordinary Commonwealth public sector agency, and its bargaining arrangements should reflect that.” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA acknowledges that the Government’s care-sector funding follows specific Fair Work Commission decisions and does not establish a direct entitlement for AFP employees. Nevertheless, the investment demonstrates that targeted Commonwealth funding can support workforce remuneration without compromising essential services.
Ahead of negotiations for the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2027–2030, the AFPA is calling for the AFP to be removed from the Australian Public Service Commission’s non-APS bargaining restrictions and for the Government to consider supplementary funding where recruitment, retention and operational requirements justify additional investment.
The AFPA has prepared correspondence to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, seeking a coordinated government response.
Mr Caruana said that the AFPA is not asking for additional funding without justification.
“What we are asking for is the Government to recognise the AFP’s unique responsibilities and provide a framework that allows legitimate workforce pressures to be addressed.
“The Government has demonstrated its willingness to invest in essential workers. We want to see that same willingness to consider the needs of the people responsible for Australia’s federal law enforcement and national security,” Mr Caruana said.
Media Contact
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts, (02) 6285 1677, troy.r@afpa.org.au
