The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is gearing up for nationwide industrial action. 

The AFPA has sought approval from the Fair Work Commission to hold a protected ballot among its members - an escalation in the ongoing dispute with the Australian Public Service Commission over the current public service pay deal.

AFPA President Alex Caruana says; “This course of action is the only way forward due to the restrictiveness of the government’s Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy 2023 and the non-APS bargaining parameters forming part of that policy”. 

The matter partly hinges on the AFPA's inability to negotiate competitive pay rises for its members, contrasting sharply with the more lucrative offers that state police forces extend to attract federal officers.

Should strikes proceed, they would mark the first in several years, potentially involving symbolic bans rather than full work stoppages. 

The AFPA's stance reflects a broader discontent within the Australian Federal Police (AFP), particularly given their critical roles in national security, law enforcement, and public safety. 

“We are stuck with a bargaining policy that won’t allow the AFPA to bargain with the AFP to provide pay rises that are competitive with private enterprise and other law enforcement agencies,” Caruana said. 

The proposed pay deal, offering an 11.2 per cent increase over three years without additional allowances, has been deemed inadequate, especially in light of the unique demands and responsibilities shouldered by AFP personnel. 

These include high-profile policing roles such as providing personal protection for national leaders, securing airports, and combating child exploitation.

An AFP spokesperson noted that bargaining is ongoing and emphasised the commitment to negotiate within the framework of the Australian Government Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy. 

Meanwhile, the AFPA's recent survey reportedly indicated strong support for industrial action, with 75 per cent of the 1,800 respondents endorsing the move to advocate for better pay.