Australian Federal Police union threatens to disrupt parliament over pay claim

The industrial action could force politicians to work remotely as they did during the Covid pandemic, as the union seeks a better pay deal than the 11.2pc offered.

The AFP union is threatening strike action at Parliament House during an upcoming sitting week. Picture: AAP

The Australian Federal Police union is threatening to strike during August’s sittings of federal parliament, potentially disrupting proceedings and forcing politicians to work remotely as they did during the Covid pandemic.

Australian Federal Police Association members voted in support of further industrial action – which includes action at airports – in a bid to pressure the AFP to lift its pay offer, which consists of 11.2 per cent in wage increases over three years as well as increases in allowances

AFPA president Alex Caruana told The Australian the union intended to notify the AFP of proposed action, including walking off the job for 12 hours from 6am to 6pm at Parliament House in Canberra after sittings resume from August 12.

It was also looking at stopping work at airports, but insisted the action would not disrupt flights.

“Walking away from places like Parliament House when parliament is sitting, that means the place is insecure so the politicians will have to find alternative locations to meet, and they might have to go back to what they did in the Covid times and everybody meets from home or online,” he said.

“That’s purely to highlight that the government can’t function without the AFP. They could work from home. It will probably save the taxpayers millions of dollars to not fly politicians in from their home jurisdiction into Canberra. They can put that savings to giving the AFP better funding and a better pay rise.”

On ballot results released on Thursday, 73.95 per cent of eligible AFPA members voted, with 96.78 per cent of those supporting protected industrial action. Under the terms of the action, the AFPA must give the AFP five days’ ­notice of intended action.

In a statement on Thursday, the AFP said it would “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,” it 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.”

Mr Caruana said the AFP could take action in the Fair Work Commission to try to stop the industrial action, which is being taken in support of a 20 per cent pay increase over three years.

He said Thursday’s AFP statement unequivocally highlighted the fact that AFP appointees were not traditional public servants and deserved more than a 11.2 per cent pay rise over three years that was offered to federal public sector workers. “The AFP-issued media release clearly outlined the critical and lifesaving roles AFP appointees undertake in keeping Australia and its communities safe every single day,” he said.

“Which other traditional public servant protects the life of a high office holder or politician? Which traditional public servants are the vanguard of national security, along with protecting vital government infrastructure?

“Which traditional public servants are protecting Australian athletes during the Olympic Games in Paris? The answer is there are no traditional public servants undertaking these roles.

“Given the critical functions that AFP appointees undertake, why are they being treated as traditional public servants, under a blanket policy designed for public servants?”