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The Australian Federal Police has set up a joint operation to oversee the safety of politicians and candidates for the upcoming federal election.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw made the comment in an address to the Federal Senate estimates committee hearing yesterday (February 25).
“The AFP established Operation AUSTRALIS25 to ensure the safety, security and dignity of high office holders, federal parliamentarians and candidates for the election,” he says.
“It will be supported by Commonwealth agencies and state and territory law enforcement partners to enable a coordinated, rapid response …”
An Incident Co-ordination Centre (ICC) will operate seven days a week and serve as a central management hub for the election.
Kershaw says the AFP is facing two tiers of crime as global instability and technology pulls it into a ‘grey’ zone.
While they focus on drug trafficking, terrorism, online child exploitation and fraud, there is a second tier of “grey zone” warfare which includes cyber-attacks, espionage and foreign interference, he says.
To combat this, the AFP commissioner says diplomacy and overseas partnerships are more vital than ever.
“Our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies throughout the world have never been so important,” he says.
He highlights their work with Pacific Island police as an example: “… the AFP works closely with our Pacific neighbours to provide security and training uplift in the region.”
He says they are also having to learn new skills as they work closely with the US and UK to finalise a new protective service for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
“This will take expertise and new skills for our protective service officers,” he says.
“This new capability requirement comes as we continue to build our intelligence and capability, especially as we continue to combat transnational serious organised crime.”
He says organised criminal groups are growing and diversifying — and many that are targeting Australia remain offshore.
“Australian criminals often meet in offshore resort locations to plan while stockpiling illicit drugs in nearby vulnerable countries,” Kershaw told the committee.
“We also remain concerned that some organised criminals continue to support the families of offenders incarcerated in Australia, mitigating deterrence,” Kershaw says.
“It is an example of how difficult it can be to break criminal tribalism which is why the AFP continues to invest resources and time in dismantling organised crime.”
