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Appendix 3
2010 Ministerial Direction for the AFP
Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP
This Ministerial Direction is issued under
subsection 37(2) of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Act 1979 and
outlines the Government's priorities and expectations for the AFP. Under
section 37(1) of the Act, the Commissioner has the general administration, and
the control of the operations, of the AFP. It supersedes the Direction issued
on 25 August 2008.
The AFP is the Australian Government’s
primary law enforcement agency. It is Australia’s international law enforcement
and policing representative and the chief source of advice to the Government on
policing issues. AFP functions are set out in section 8 of the AFP Act 1979.
Within that framework, the AFP pursues clearly defined outcomes agreed by the
Government.
The Government is committed to the goal of
the AFP being a law enforcement agency second to none. It is also committed to
ensuring the AFP is adequately positioned and appropriately resourced to deal
with a complex and shifting law enforcement environment.
My expectation of the AFP, where appropriate
in partnership with other Commonwealth agencies, is to address the following
key strategic priorities:
- Countering the threat of terrorism to the safety and security of
Australians and Australian interests, inside and outside Australia, including
through countering violent extremism;
-
Supporting the implementation of the Commonwealth Organised Crime
Strategic Framework and preventing, deterring, disrupting and investigating
serious and organised criminal activities impacting on the interests of the
Australian community;
- Safeguarding the economic interests of the nation from criminal
activities such as serious fraud, money laundering, corruption, intellectual
property crime and technology enabled crime;
- Contributing effectively to Australia’s border management and
security, particularly protecting Australia from people smuggling, including
prevention, deterrence and disruption;
- Contributing effectively to the Government's international law
enforcement interests including matters involving cooperation to combat
transnational organised crime, responses to emergencies, law and order capacity
building missions, and participation in internationally mandated peace
operations;
- Countering the threat of cyber-crime including through achieving
and maintaining a technological edge over criminals;
- Leading and managing the law enforcement and crime prevention
aspects of aviation security;
- Ensuring that specific individuals, establishments and events,
identified by the Australian Government as being at risk, are protected;
- Implementing the relevant recommendations of the Federal Audit of
Police Capabilities New Realities: National Policing in the 21st Century,
particularly achieving a revised program structure and consolidation of most of
the core, lapsing and terminating funding into base funding; and enhancing core
investigative capabilities;
- Contributing actively to broader government programs or
initiatives where their successful implementation requires the engagement of
law enforcement capabilities;
- Where possible identifying emerging criminal threats to the
national interest and, for issues in which the AFP have operational expertise,
advising on appropriate approaches, to counter such threats.
In performing its functions and prioritising
its activities I expect the AFP to adhere to Government policies and to:
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively with Australian Government,
State and Territory Government and international counterpart departments and
agencies in developing, implementing and managing national security, law
enforcement and crime prevention policies, and operational activities,
including through information and intelligence sharing;
- Take account of the Government’s long-standing opposition to the
application of the death penalty, in performing its international liaison
functions;
- Continue to develop, implement and manage advanced information
and support systems that enable the sharing of criminal information and
intelligence among law enforcement and intelligence agencies;
- Maintain and enhance a professional culture, based on AFP core
values, that ensures the community’s confidence is maintained at all times
including through effective policing and the AFP workforce respecting and
reflecting the diversity of the Australian community;
- Maintain a contemporary workforce strategy encompassing
attraction and retention strategies in relation to Australians from all
backgrounds;
- Build a relationship of trust with the indigenous community
through the expansion of indigenous recruitment, enhancement of cultural
sensitivity within its workforce and improved engagement with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people, including maintaining its Reconciliation Action
Plan and Indigenous Employment Strategy;
- Manage AFP resources efficiently and effectively in accordance
with the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and the
Finance Minister’s Orders;
-
Maintain a high standard of corporate governance, including risk
management, through legislative compliance and fostering a culture of
continuous improvement;
- Protect privacy, occupational health and safety and workplace
diversity.
Reporting
- The Government expects the AFP to report regularly to the
Minister for Home Affairs on its performance. The Government also expects the
AFP to report biannually on the nature and number of cases where information is
provided to foreign law enforcement agencies in cases involving the death
penalty. Consistent with the outcomes of the Attorney-General’s 2009 review,
the AFP should take account of the Governments’ long standing opposition to the
application of the death penalty;
- Be responsive to requests from the Government, my Office and the
Department and keep me informed about significant events related to the AFP’s
activities through clear, concise and timely advice, particularly in relation
to issues which may affect the AFP’s capacity to achieve the priorities
outlined above or functions under the AFP Act 1979;
- From July 1 2010, and consistent with the accountability expected
as a result of the new AFP appropriations arrangements announced in the 2010/11
Budget, I expect the AFP to consult me when considering any significant
reallocation of resources. Should the AFP be considering a reallocation of
resources that may impact upon the implementation of the strategic priorities
set out in this Ministerial Direction, or may impact upon the implementation of
strategic government priorities, the AFP Commissioner or his nominee will
consult me and other relevant Ministers prior to finalising these deliberations.
I also ask that you consult with my
Department if for any reason you believe any of these priorities may not be
achievable or if you believe the list of priorities should be amended.
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP Minister for Home Affairs
1 July 2010
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