AFP union ramps up parliament strike talk as MPs return to Canberra

Federal police officers have threatened to withdraw some services from federal parliamentarians while an ongoing pay dispute with the government continues to boil.

The Australian Federal Police Association has used this week’s return of MPs to Canberra to ramp up talk of implementing protected industrial action during the current parliamentary sitting fortnight.

The union’s president, Alex Caruana, has written to all federal MPs, describing the Federal Government’s pay offer as “toxic”, saying his members will be “quite strategic” to ensure they get “the most bang for our buck when it comes to industrial action”.

The action will likely involve the withdrawal of AFP officers from Parliament House and the Canberra Airport, as well as events not carrying a “significant” threat level.

He suggested the action could result in the cancellation of the current parliamentary sitting fortnight.

“If the AFP and the government continue to say that it’s integral that we are there, and it’s integral that we’re there for national security, then the only logical step is for parliament to shut down whilst we’re going through this process,” Mr Caruana said.

Speaking to Region on Monday (12 August), Mr Caruana said his members don’t want to take the industrial action but feel like the government is forcing their hand.

“Our people joined the AFP because they want to help people. They didn’t join the AFP to beg for a decent pay rise,” he said.

“We are the lowest paid police force in the country and we just want a dignified and respectful remuneration for the vital and often dangerous work our people do.”

The AFPA says federal police officers deserve more than the 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years that Australian Public Service employees are getting.

They should be better compensated for risks, dangers and high-level stresses that regular desk-bound public servants don’t face.

The union is asking for a 20 per cent pay rise plus allowances. But, as with all such negotiations, it’s willing to be pragmatic about it.

The Australian Federal Police hierarchy, however, says there will be no negotiating over the safety of parliamentarians and the general public.

The AFP has not yet been formally informed of the strike action, but bosses have issued another stern warning to the workforce.

“The AFP is aware of reports that claim AFP protection and resources will be withdrawn from parliamentarians, Australian Parliament House and Canberra Airport during this sitting fortnight,” the statement said.

“As of Monday, 8 August 2024, it is not lawful for the AFPA to take any protected action that withdraws protection from parliamentarians, APH or Canberra Airport during the first week of the parliament sitting period.

“That is because this type of action requires five full business days’ notice and a valid notice has not yet been received. That means it cannot lawfully happen this week.

“If the AFP is notified of protected industrial action that could impact on next week’s sitting, the AFP would strenuously oppose this application in the Fair Work Commission.

“The AFP encourages the AFPA to be mindful of its language, noting any baseless suggestion that resources could lawfully be withdrawn can have a chilling impact on stakeholders and the wider public.

“Just recently, the National Terror Threat was raised to Probable. The AFP is also responding to more threats against parliamentarians.

“The AFP will not tolerate any action that threatens the functioning of Australian democracy or the safety of any member of the public.”

While the union has received the support of independent senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie, it’s Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus the AFPA needs to step in and intervene if it has any hope of getting a better pay deal for its members.

Meanwhile, short-term heightened security measures have been put in place around Parliament House in response to pro-Palestinian rooftop protest on the final sitting day of the last parliamentary session.

Senate President Sue Lines provided an update to the Senate without giving much detail of what those measures are; saying only they would “strengthen the layers of security around Parliament House” while a security review is underway.

“Long-term and more permanent options are currently being explored,” she said.