Attempted Trump assassination brought up in bitter AFP pay dispute
Trump’s attempted assassination is emerging as a key issue when it comes to negotiations in one Australian workplace.
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump highlights the huge amount of danger Australian Federal Police officers put themselves in, according to the union, as a bitter pay dispute emerges.
After negotiations with the government failed, the Australian Federal Police union (AFPA) is now threatening to strike during August’s sittings of federal parliament.
The union is fighting to ensure its members are recognised for the work that “put their bodies on the line” rather than as an ordinary public servant, AFPA president Alex Caruana said.
“The prime example is look what happened to Donald Trump and we have people on Anthony Albanese and other politicians, who are willing to take a bullet for Albanese or any other politician, and potentially be criticised like the US Secret Service,” Mr Caruana told news.com.au.
“Our members will literally take a bullet for the Prime Minister but they don’t want to pay police officers a dignified rate.
“Who would want to look at thousands of hours of child exploitation material or images of videos and beheading material from terrorists. Police offers are in position where they are having to deal with people that peddle misery with sexual servitude and human trafficking and are out there to disrupt this type of behaviour.”
He described the proposed 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years – that has been offered to all public servants – as “undignified and disrespectful”.
“I don’t think the government actually understands the vital role that AFP members play in keeping the country safe and keeping every citizen in Australia safe and the sacrifices my members make to do that,” he said.
“Every day they are seeing terrible things and putting their bodies on the line and doing things regular Australians should never have to experience and it’s taking a toll.
“The AFP have acknowledged that this takes a toll and reduces the life expectancy of members because of these vital things they are doing every day to keep Australians safe. I don’t feel its fair we are treated the same as every public servant.”
The union is seeking a 20 per cent pay rise over three years, although Mr Caruana acknowledged there was wiggle room if there was greater agreement surrounding allowances.
He said the union would notify the AFP of its proposed industrial action, including walking off the job for 12 hours from 6am to 6pm at Parliament House in Canberra after sittings resume from August 12 — a move that could force politicians to work from home.
There may also be plans to stop work at airports, but Mr Caruana said the action would not disrupt flights adding the industrial action was a “last resort” move.
“We haven’t taken the decision lightly and isn’t something we look forward to or want to do,” he added.
“We just don’t have any other options available as the government continues to stonewall and not increase just by a small amount the funding for the AFP.”
He said the $350 million wage budget for the AFP had gone backwards as increased expectations have been placed on the organisation’s staff as well as its employee count growing.
This included measures such as the AUKUS agreement, looking after “illegal immigrants”, providing security for the Australian Olympic team in Paris, as well as securing sites like satellite intelligence site Pine Gap and Holsworthy Barracks.
“It highlights the extra work that we do to keep Australian citizens safe,” he added. “Members also work at parliamentarian electoral offices as well as on close personal protection because of the heightened risk environment we are living through.”
Mr Caruana was also critical that AFP officers are being lumped with general public servants given the cost of living crisis and the inability for police to work from home.
This means police officers are spending up to $4000 on parking a year, $2000 on tolls and thousands of dollars on petrol — costs that can’t be offset, he said.
“Ordinary public servants are making savings on working flexibly but our members can’t keep the Prime Minister safe and can’t take a bullet for the PM if they are working from the kitchen table,” he said.
“They can’t stop kids from being exploited from crooks online from the luxury of their loungeroom as they have to maintain the chain of custody and rigours of police investigations.”
A union ballot released on Thursday showed almost 74 per cent of eligible AFPA members voted, with close to 97 per cent supporting protected industrial action.
A spokesperson for the AFP said it will vigorously object to any action that jeopardises the safety and protection of high office holders, parliamentarians or designated airports.
“At no time will the life of any high office holder, politician or member of the public be put at risk because of any proposed action by the AFPA,” they said.
“The AFP makes no apologies for protecting Australia’s democracy and the location and lives of those whom we dutifully protect.
“While the AFP has supported the right of AFPA members to take industrial action, where allowed under the law, it will not support any action that threatens national security, risks community safety or undermines confidence in the ability of the AFP to do its job.”
sarah.sharples@news.com.au
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