The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has welcomed the Coalition’s announcement of a $750 million commitment to boosting national security, tackling organised crime, and enhancing the safety of Australian communities.
At the heart of the Coalition’s plan is the creation of a National Drug Enforcement and Organised Crime Strike Team, backed by $355 million in new resourcing.
This initiative aims to disrupt the operations of criminal syndicates, address the supply and distribution of illicit drugs, and mitigate the violence and social harm caused by organised crime.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the announcement demonstrates a much-needed recognition of the increasing complexity and scale of criminal threats facing Australia.
“This is a bold and significant investment in frontline policing.
“It acknowledges the dangerous and evolving nature of organised crime and provides our members with the resources necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA particularly supports the establishment of permanent AFP strike teams in every state and territory, led by a unified national command and supported by expert financial crime and prosecutorial units.
This approach allows for more efficient targeting of illicit financial networks and faster dismantling of criminal organisations that profit from the pain and vulnerability of our communities.
However, the AFPA is concerned over the AFP’s current capacity to deliver on this ambitious plan without additional investment in its workforce.
Mr Caruana said that with the increasing demands placed on the AFP — including responsibilities under the AUKUS security pact, growing international obligations, and rising domestic threats that AFP resources are already stretched thin.
“To meet the expectations set by this plan, the AFP will urgently need to recruit and retain skilled officers. That starts with competitive wages and a sustainable workforce model.
“The AFPA continues to advocate for meaningful investment in frontline policing, including fair and competitive remuneration, to ensure the AFP can attract and retain both sworn and unsworn appointees,” Mr Caruana said.
In addition to the organised crime strike team, the AFPA welcomed several other key components of the Coalition’s plan, including:
- Enhanced border security efforts to detect and stop drugs before they reach Australian streets;
- Expanded funding for Crime Stoppers and increased resources to combat child exploitation;
- A pilot of a National Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, giving parents access to vital information to help protect children;
- The rollout of national laws to combat knife crime, including the use of detector wands;
- The creation of a new AFP-led anti-semitism taskforce, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and addressing hate-driven threats.
Mr Caruana said these initiatives reflect a holistic and serious commitment to safeguarding the Australian public.
“Our members are on the frontlines every day — confronting transnational crime, child exploitation, and increasing levels of violence.
“We welcome the Coalition’s recognition of the vital work already being carried out by the AFP and the additional support promised in this plan,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA also stressed the importance of supporting the wellbeing of AFP officers and staff as they take on growing responsibilities, highlighting the need for internal welfare and support systems to grow alongside operational demands.
A key initiative championed by the AFPA is the AFP Blue Card — a proposed program that would provide ongoing and long lasting psychological support and mental health care for members regularly exposed to traumatic incidents.
Mr Caruana said the nature of AFP work is inherently challenging and can have long-term impacts on mental health.
“We urge any future Government to invest in the establishment of the AFP Blue Card program to ensure that all AFP appointees have access to consistent, comprehensive, and accessible support.
“The safety of our communities depends on the health and wellbeing of those who protect them. Supporting our officers is not just the right thing to do — it’s essential for national security,” Mr Caruana said.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
