AFP FACES FURTHER STAFFING CUTS

Turnbull’s relentless cuts to the Australian Federal Police are affecting their officers and their operations.

 

Today at Senate Estimates, the AFP Leadership confirmed the Turnbull Government’s $137m cut to their organisation in MYEFO. As part of these cuts, funding for AFP employees will fall from $857m this year down to $830m in 2020-21.

 

The AFP also flagged further cuts to staffing numbers because of their budget position. As the Commissioner outlined today, “if we can’t find enough efficiencies… we will have to consider staffing as well.” The AFP has already lost over 250 staff since Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minster.

 

The AFP should not be forced to choose between paying their dedicated members properly and fighting crime.

 

It is disappointing, but hardly surprising, that Turnbull has chosen tax handouts to millionaires and multinationals over funding for the AFP. This is a government that has cut staff, cut resources and left the AFP struggling to meet demand for their services.

 

AFP officers put their life on the line to protect Australians. They deserve our respect and our support.

 

Malcolm Turnbull must come out and justify the need for these cuts, or guarantee that there will be no further reductions to AFP numbers.