Australia’s Federal Police force is teetering on the edge of a staffing crisis, with a shortage of officers becoming more severe each day. Reports highlight the mounting pressure within the ranks of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), where officers are increasingly overworked and underpaid compared to their counterparts in other jurisdictions.
Alex Caruana, President of the Australian Federal Police Association, expressed grave concern over the current state of affairs. “AFP officers are at breaking point,” Caruana said. “They’re overworked, under-resourced, and the situation is now so dire that it’s putting public safety at risk and jeopardising the welfare of our officers.”
The strain on AFP officers has been intensifying for some time, but today’s revelations confirm just how stretched the force has become. “Officers are exhausted,” Caruana explained, “and the pay and working conditions are pushing many to the brink of leaving the force altogether.” The AFP, responsible for handling critical issues such as counter-terrorism, international crime, and safeguarding national security, faces an unprecedented challenge.
Caruana highlighted the unique nature of AFP duties compared to other public servants. “Unlike public servants who can work from home, AFP officers are out there on the front lines. Whether it’s dealing with international drug syndicates, tackling child exploitation, or countering terrorism, they are exposed to the worst society has to offer,” he stated. “They work weekends, holidays, and often at a moment’s notice, yet their compensation is lagging far behind the reality of their responsibilities.”
A recent survey paints a worrying picture of the future. Caruana revealed that 92% of AFP officers feel under-resourced for their workload, while a staggering 79% have seriously considered leaving the force in the past year due to overwhelming pressure. The current pay deal, which lumps AFP officers in with desk-bound public servants, is seen as a major factor driving dissatisfaction. “If this continues, we’re going to see a mass exodus,” Caruana warned. “Six percent of our members have said they’re ready to walk out now, and another 68% are actively seeking other employment.”
The warning signs have been there for some time, but without urgent action, the consequences could be devastating. “Our officers are the backbone of Australia’s national security. If we allow the AFP to erode due to uncompetitive wages and conditions, it’s not just the officers who will suffer—it’s the entire country,” Caruana stressed.
With such a stark outlook, the call for immediate reform in how AFP officers are compensated and supported is becoming louder. Without decisive action, Australia risks losing the officers who play a vital role in keeping the country safe.
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