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AFPA 2025 Federal Election Campaign

The 2025 Federal Election in Australia marks a critical juncture in the nation’s political and social landscape. As the election approaches, it brings into focus significant issues, including national security, immigration policy, climate change, economic recovery, and social equity.

The outcomes of this election will profoundly influence Australia’s future, shaping the policies and priorities of the government in addressing these pressing challenges. Political parties are already ramping up their campaigns, striving to capture the attention and trust of voters who are preparing to make vital decisions about the country’s governance.

Against this backdrop, the Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is advocating for a transformative agenda that addresses the systemic challenges faced by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFPA is committed to ensuring that the AFP, as a cornerstone of Australia’s security framework, is equipped to meet the demands of modern law enforcement.

This commitment involves not only enhancing the resources and operational capabilities of the AFP but also ensuring that its members—police officers, protective service officers, and unsworn appointees— receive the recognition, support, and remuneration they deserve.

The AFPA has outlined four key pillars that form the foundation of its advocacy during the 2025 election campaign:

A Future for Good Faith Bargaining
The AFPA seeks to restore integrity and fairness to the enterprise agreement bargaining process. This involves ensuring that the government engages in genuine negotiations and delivers outcomes that respect the contributions of AFP members, particularly in terms of fair wages and working conditions.

More Support for AFP Appointees
A significant focus is on addressing the mental and physical toll that AFP roles impose on its most important asset: its people. The AFPA calls for greater support systems, including enhanced access to mental health resources and initiatives to combat the long-term impacts of service-related trauma.

Integrity Matters
The AFPA emphasises the need for robust ethical standards and practices within the AFP, ensuring that its operations and personnel maintain the highest levels of professionalism and public trust.

Restoring the AFP as Australia’s Premier Law Enforcement Agency
Central to the AFPA’s agenda is re-establishing the AFP as a leading law enforcement body in Australia, with resources, capabilities, and compensation that reflect its critical role in safeguarding national security and protecting Australia and its many communities.

The men and women of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, yet they continue to face critical challenges—including inadequate pay, mental health support, and resource shortages. As we approach the 2025 Federal Election, we have a unique opportunity to push for real change by advocating for the Australian Federal Police Association’s (AFPA) key priorities.

By writing to your local politicians, you can help ensure that fair wages, better mental health services, stronger integrity measures, and increased AFP funding become national priorities.

Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.

The AFPA encourages you to use one of the follwing options to engage with your local politicians.

• What is the AFPA’s primary goal in the 2025 Federal Election?

  The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is advocating for better working conditions, increased support for AFP personnel, integrity in law enforcement, and restoring the AFP as Australia’s premier law enforcement agency.

• What is the purpose of the AFPA 2025 Election Manifesto?

  The manifesto outlines key priorities for the 2025 federal election, advocating for fair employment conditions, improved mental health support, stronger integrity measures, and restoring the AFP as Australia’s premier law enforcement agency.

• What changes does the AFPA want in enterprise bargaining for AFP employees?

  The AFPA wants the AFP to be removed from the Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy so that it can negotiate enterprise agreements independently, tailored to the unique challenges of law enforcement.

• What are the key pillars of the AFPA’s election campaign?

  The AFPA’s campaign focuses on four main pillars:

  • Good faith bargaining for fair wages and conditions.
  • More support for AFP appointees, especially regarding mental and physical health.
  • Strengthening integrity within the AFP’s professional standards framework.
  • Expanding and properly funding the AFP to maintain its status as Australia’s top law enforcement body.

• Why is an AFP Arbitral Tribunal being proposed?

  The AFPA proposes creating an independent AFP Arbitral Tribunal to resolve disputes more efficiently without having to rely on the Fair Work Commission, which may not fully understand the complexities of AFP employment conditions.

• What mental health support does the AFPA advocate for?

  The AFPA calls for the creation of a National Commissioner for First Responder Mental Health and Suicide, improved access to psychological services, and the introduction of an AFP Blue Card (similar to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs White Card) to cover mental health treatment for current and former AFP personnel.

• What is the AFP Blue Card?

  The AFP Blue Card would provide government-funded psychological and medical treatment for operational AFP employees, similar to the benefits available to military veterans.

• Why does the AFPA want a review of the AFP’s Professional Standards framework?

  The AFPA believes the current system is unfair, often leaving AFP officers feeling unsupported and vulnerable. They advocate for:

  • Clearer definitions of “serious misconduct” and “corruption.”
  • A review panel for employment-related decisions.
  • Expanding the Merit Protection Commissioner’s jurisdiction to include AFP employment disputes.

• What is wrong with the current AFP disciplinary system?

  The current system allows for long delays in investigations, inconsistent disciplinary measures, and decisions that affect officers’ careers without proper oversight. The AFPA wants a fairer and more transparent process.

• Why does the AFP need more funding?

  Underfunding has left the AFP with fewer resources, outdated equipment, and personnel shortages. The AFPA is advocating for the removal of “efficiency dividends” that limit the AFP’s ability to operate effectively.

• How can I help support the AFPA’s goals?

  1. Contact your local MP and express support for fair wages and improved working conditions for AFP officers.
  2. Spread awareness about the AFPA’s key issues by sharing information with colleagues, friends, and family.
  3. Engage with political candidates to understand their stance on law enforcement