Federal Budget: War chest to fight terror; AFP shake-up

A NEW multimillion-dollar war chest to fight terrorism and serious crime will be unlocked by the Turnbull Government ahead of a shake-up of Australian Federal Police.

Malcolm Turnbull will announce an extra $321 million for the Australian Federal Police. Picture: AFP/ NSW Police

• Federal Budget: What to expect

A NEW multimillion-dollar war chest to fight terrorism and serious crime will be unlocked by the Turnbull Government ahead of a shake-up of Australian Federal Police.

Hundreds of spooks, bomb specialists and organised crime experts will be hired to fast- track investigations and help catch terrorists and criminals sooner.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will announce an extra $321 million for the AFP in Canberra today to underscore his Government’s commitment to national security.

The AFP have foiled 12 terror attacks since 2014, but the unpredictable and relentless grooming of jihadists has sparked senior officers to warn it is just a matter of time before a successful attack will be carried out in Australia.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the cash injection in tomorrow’s Budget was aimed at bolstering the capability of the AFP and to provide greater protection for Australians.

“The funding will provide for an additional 100 intelligence experts, over 100 tactical response and covert surveillance operators, and almost 100 forensic specialists to advance our fight against crime and terrorism,’’ Mr Keenan said. “The additional experts will fast-track investigations and lock up criminals sooner, targeting areas including terrorism, criminal gangs, drugs, organised crime, cybercrime and anti-corruption.

“This will make the AFP a more responsive and robust organisation, with expert skills and world-leading technology at its core.”

He said the funding would enhance specialist response capabilities, incorporating police negotiators, tactical response officers, bomb response technicians and canine resources specialising in drug, cash and explosive detection.

It will also boost physical surveillance teams, covert online investigators, undercover operation members and police technical teams.

Mr Keenan said the extra cash represented the largest single funding boost for the AFP’s domestic policing capabilities in a decade. It will be delivered over four years.