Australian Federal Police Annual Report 2014-15

Background

2.1        The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is Australia's Commonwealth law enforcement and policing agency and the government's chief source of advice on policing issues. Its role is to:

...enforce Commonwealth criminal law, contribute to combating organised crime and to protect Commonwealth interests from criminal activity in Australia and overseas as a key member of the national security community. The AFP leads and contributes to many whole-of-government national security initiatives.[1]

2.2        Section 8 of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (the AFP Act) outlines the functions of the AFP including:

• the provision of police services in relation to the laws of the Commonwealth and the property of the Commonwealth (including Commonwealth places) and the safeguarding of Commonwealth interests;
• the provision of police services in relation to the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory and Australia's external territories (Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island);
• the provision of protective and custodial functions as directed by the Minister;
• the provision of police services and police support services to assist or cooperate with an Australian or foreign law enforcement agency, intelligence or security agency, or government regulatory agency; and
• the provision of police services and police support services to establishing, developing and monitoring peace, stability and security in foreign countries.[2]

2.3        The AFP's strategic priorities are determined in accordance with section 8 of the AFP Act and the revised Ministerial Direction, issued on 12 May 2014 under subsection 37(2) of the AFP Act.[3]

Annual reporting and compliance

2.4        In addition to the legislative requirements outlined above, the AFP is required to prepare an annual report under section 67 of the AFP Act as follows:

The annual report prepared by the Commissioner and given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must include particulars of:

1. the AFP conduct issues that were dealt with under Part V [Professional standards and AFP conduct and practices issues] of this Act during that period; and
2. the action that was taken, during that period, in relation to AFP conduct issues that were dealt with under Division 3 of Part V [Dealing with AFP conduct or practices issues] of this Act.[4]

2.5        The AFP is required to produce an annual report compliant with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and the PGPA Rule 2014. The annual report's compliance with these requirements is set out in a compliance index.[5]

2.6        Based on the committee's assessment of the annual report, it fulfils these requirements.

AFP achievements in 2014–15

2.7        The 2014–15 reporting year was one described by the Commissioner as 'characterised by challenge and change' with the diversion of significant resources to meet 'the emerging terrorism threat', the commencement of a process of organisational reform, and sustained high operational demand, both within Australia and overseas:[6]

...2014–15 was a challenging year again for the AFP and it is one that I think you will see through the report has been marked by national security and a very steep rise in the threat environment here in Australia, offshore demands on the AFP as well as a time of change within the AFP. With all of that, we recorded again very strong operational results during that financial year despite these very sustained, high levels of operational demand both in Australia and overseas.[7]

2.8        Commissioner Colvin highlighted a number of the AFP's key achievements during 2014–15, including:

• the seizure of nine tonnes of illicit drugs;
• the restraint of $246 million in criminal assets;
• the conduct of eight terrorism-related disruption activities resulting in 25 people being charged;
• the arrest of 672 persons for Commonwealth crimes, with a 94 per cent court conviction rate;
• establishment of the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Centre together with nine other Commonwealth agencies;
• enhanced cyber safety over 190,000 Australia children via the ThinkUKnow program;
• the deployment of 99 staff in 29 countries; and
• training 4896 law and justice officials from 16 nations.[8]

2.9        In his opening statement, Commissioner Colvin advised that the AFP had met all of its 11 key performance indicators (KPIs) and 16 of 18 deliverables. Commissioner Colvin also remarked that the operational environment is not going to change for the AFP and that the high tempo 'poses challenges for us in being able to deliver across what is a very broad range of priorities and remit'.[9]

Strategic Leaders' Group

2.10      The Strategic Leaders' Group (SLG) is the AFP's peak advisory committee. Its membership consists of the Commissioner as Chair, Deputy Commissioners, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Police Officer ACT Policing, National Managers and two external (non-AFP) members. The SLG assists the Commissioner to make decisions and to exercise his statutory responsibilities.[10]

2.11      During 2014–15, the SLG considered a range of matters, for example:

• developing the AFP Future Directions Project to consider the future strategic direction of the AFP and its capability requirements;
• endorsing a revised organisational structure as part of the AFP Reform Agenda;
• formalising the Executive Leadership Committee and streamlined governance structures to support the new organisational structure;
• responding to an evolving national security environment and the risk to law enforcement personnel, as well as reinforcing workplace safety and security arrangements; and
• responding to critical and emerging law enforcement issues both nationally and internationally.[11]

2.12      The Future Directions project was established in March 2015 'to assess the future challenges for the AFP and ensure that the organisation has the long-term capacity to meet those challenges'.[12] Initially, the project is exploring three themes: protecting Australians; protecting Australia's interests; and AFP health.

2.13      A 'Strategic Context Paper' was launched in July 2015 and will form the basis of consultation with partner agencies, internal AFP stakeholders, industry partners and academic during the project's second phase. It is expected that an 'AFP Futures' document—the final stage of the project—will be finalised during 2016 and will outline a 'roadmap for the future of the AFP'.[13]

AFP reporting structure

2.14      The AFP has two outcomes, Outcome 1 comprising Programme 1.1 (Federal Policing and National Security) and Programme 1.2 (International Police Assistance), and Outcome 2 comprising Programme 2.1 (ACT Community Policing).[14]

Outcome 1

2.15      Outcome 1 'contributes to reduced criminal and security threats in Australia's collective economic and societal interests through co-operative policing services'.[15] The two programmes under Outcome 1 'emphasise federal operational policing and capacity development' and 'acknowledge key features of the current environment'.[16]

Programme 1.1 (Federal Policing and National Security)

2.16      The foci of Programme 1.1 are reducing criminal and security threats by promoting the safety of Australian communities and infrastructure; preventing, deterring, disrupting and investigating serious and organised crime, as well as significant Commonwealth crimes; and collaborating with Commonwealth, state and territory partners.

2.17      The programme comprises:

• Aviation, Counter Terrorism and Protection;
• the Crime Program, which includes the International Network and a range of taskforces (for example the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce and the National Anti-Gangs Taskforce); and
• Close Operational Support, which provides forensics, intelligence, legal, litigation, security, coordination and communication services.[17]

Programme 1.2 (International Police Assistance)

2.18      Programme 1.2:

reduces criminal and national security threats...by delivering collaborative law and order capacity development missions, participating in internationally mandated peace operations and providing civil policing assistance in accordance with Australian foreign policy priorities.[18]

Outcome 2

2.19      Under Outcome 2, the AFP provides policing services to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government and contributes to a safe and secure environment in the ACT.[19]

Programme 2.1 (ACT Community Policing)

2.20      The primary aim of the programme is the provision of crime and safety management, road safety, prosecution and judicial support, and crime prevention to the ACT Government.[20]

2.21      A purchase agreement between the ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the AFP Commissioner and the Chief Police Officer of the ACT specifies the type, level and cost of services required by the ACT Government from the AFP.[21]

Key Performance Indicators

2.22      As stated in paragraph 2.7, the Commissioner identified 2014–15 as a challenging year for the AFP. Nonetheless, the AFP 'recorded again strong operational results' and met 'all...11 key performance indicators...16 of [its] 18 deliverables as well'.[22]

2.23      According to the annual report, the AFP Business Satisfaction Survey (BSS) 'provides an indication of the level of cooperation between the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, and other public and private sector organisations' and 'is one method that the AFP uses to measure the strength of external relationships and identify where there is room for improvement'.[23] For 2015, the BSS demonstrated that increasing levels of satisfaction previously maintained over a number of years declined by three per cent from 92 per cent to 89.[24] The decline was seen across all sectors and was not limited to a single location; the most common response to the question as to how the AFP could improve was 'to address resourcing and to increase the level of interaction with clients'.[25]

Outcome 1—key highlights and performance

2.24      As outlined in paragraph 2.14, Outcome 1 comprises Programme 1.1 (Federal Policing and National Security) and Programme 1.2 (International Police Assistance). All KPIs for the outcome were met, while 16 of the 18 deliverables were achieved.

2.25      The annual report highlighted the following achievements under Outcome 1:

• the restraint of a record level of criminal assets ($246.6 million);
• an increase in the amount of illicit drugs seized (9367 kg); and
• overall conviction rates above 90 per cent.[26]

Program 1.1: Federal Policing and National Security

2.26      In 2014–15, the AFP met all nine of the KPIs under Programme 1.1, consistent with the AFP's performance in the three preceding financial years.[27] Of 14 deliverable indicator targets, 12 were met by the AFP for the 2014–15 financial year.

Program 1.2: International Police Assistance

2.27      In 2014–15, the AFP met both KPIs under Programme 1.2 as well as the four deliverables.[28]

Performance: Operations

2.28      The annual report discusses the AFP's activities under the headings 'Performance Report—Operations' and 'Performance Report—Support', not by programme. For ease of reading and comparison, this report reflects the format of the AFP's annual report.

Aviation

2.29      The AFP's Aviation function provides national and aviation security at Australia's major airports in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.[29] During 2014–15, AFP Aviation responded and provided assistance to the (then) Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) Counter Terrorism Units. The AFP met its response KPIs for priority 1, 2 and 3 aviation law enforcement and/or security incidents with all incidents responded to within a specified time.[30]

2.30      The annual report stated that the AFP's Currency and Drug Detection Dog Team seized currency to the sum of approximately $4.3 million. AFP Aviation also detected and investigated the illegal importation of illicit drugs, including an estimated 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed by a passenger on a flight from New Zealand and  the attempted importation of 98.8 kilograms of cocaine by an airport employee in Sydney.[31]

Counter Terrorism

2.31      The purpose of the AFP's Counter Terrorism function is to prevent, disrupt and investigate terrorist activity against Australia and Australian interests both domestically and internationally. During 2014–15, the AFP conducted eight disruption activities resulting in 25 people being charged with a number of terrorism and other offences.[32] The AFP achieved its KPI (of 90 per cent) with 100 per cent of counter terrorism investigations resulting in a prosecution, disruption or intelligence referral outcome.[33]

2.32      The annual report identified the ongoing Syria-Iraq conflict as 'a multi-faceted threat to the Australian community' and stated:

The AFP continues to experience a significant rise in operational activity that can be directly attributed to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. This level of activity is anticipated to continue to increase as the number of Australians seeking to support the conflict continues to grow.

Of significant concern in the current operating environment is the increasing number of Australians who are travelling overseas to participate in the conflict or are planning attacks onshore. Australians are attempting to travel to the conflict zone to fight; planning attacks in Australia in support of the conflict; or providing financial and other support to the conflict.[34]

2.33      During 2014–15, the AFP was involved in Operations Rising, Amberd, Castrum and Appleby all of which investigated allegations of planned terrorist attacks in Australia.[35] The AFP also participated in a range of cooperative and community-based activities focussing on disrupting and preventing violent extremism. For example, the AFP established the National Disruption Group, comprising the AFP, state and territory police, intelligence agencies, the Attorney-General's Department, the (then) Australian Crime Commission (ACC), the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), the ACBPS, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), AUSTRAC, the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Social Services (DSS). The Disruption Group coordinates operational disruption activities and consolidates the capabilities of participating agencies to prevent, disrupt and protect Australian nationals who travel or intend to travel offshore to engage in hostilities, undertake terrorism training and/or provide support to terrorist organisations.[36]

2.34      Throughout 2014–15, the AFP's Community Liaison Teams, based in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,[37] were involved in a number of community engagement activities in partnership with key community groups and other law enforcement and government agencies. The Liaison Teams met regularly with communities and community leaders to 'build positive and trusting relationships between the AFP and the community'.[38]

2.35      Internationally, the AFP 'had enhanced engagement with foreign law enforcement and intelligence partners through the AFP's International Network'.[39] In 2014–15, new AFP liaison officers were deployed to Turkey, Jordan and Europol in The Hague. The AFP also co-hosted the 2014 Counter Terrorism Leaders Forum and the Counter Terrorism Leaders Working Group.[40]

Crime Program

2.36      The objective of the Crime Program is 'to disrupt, dismantle and combat serious and organised crime that poses a threat to Australia's national security'.[41] The program comprises the Serious and Organised Crime and Crime Operations functions of the AFP.

2.37      The following sections discuss some of the AFP's activities under the Crime Program during 2014–15. 

Drug seizures

2.38      During 2014–15 a total of 4243 drug seizures were made, with drugs totalling 9366.9 kilograms seized. There was an increase in both the number and total weight of amphetamine and amphetamine-type stimulants seized: 1708 seizures totalling 4903.9 kilograms, an increase of over 800 kilograms in comparison with 2013–14.[42] There was also an increase in the number and total weight of heroin (opioids) seizures: 424 seizures with a total weight of 394.8 kilograms, compared with 252 seizures and a total weight of 149.8 kilograms in 2013–14.

2.39      For some other types of drugs, there was a reduction in the number of seizures but an increase in the total weight seized. For example, there were 678 cannabis seizures (a reduction of almost half in comparison with 2013–14) but a larger total weight (114.3 kilograms) seized. Similarly, there was a reduction in MDMA seizures (531 in 2014–15 compared with 867 in 2013–14) but an increase in the total weight (1952.8 kilograms in 2014–15, 137.8 kilograms in 2013–14).[43]

2.40      The 2014–15 annual report highlights Operations Koi and Azoic. In November 2014, Operation Koi—a joint operation comprising the AFP, NSW Police, the Australian Border Force (ABF), the NSW Crime Commission and the ACC—resulted in the largest single methamphetamine seizure in Australian history. Six people were arrested in Australia for importing 1843 kilograms of MDMA and 954 kilograms of methamphetamine with a potential street value of up to $569 million.[44]

2.41      Operation Azoic was commenced in April 2014 to investigate a drug importation and distribution network in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. As a result of the operation, an Australian national was arrested, narcotics were seized (including 50 kilograms of precursor chemicals, 16 kilograms of MDMA and 2.5 kilograms of cocaine), and assets totalling $3.7 million were seized or restrained.[45]

Money laundering

2.42      During 2014–15 the AFP continued to target the 'criminal economy' as a key mechanism to understand and disrupt organised criminal activity. The AFP stated that '[m]oney laundering remains a key enabler of organised crime'.[46]

2.43      The AFP's dedicated money laundering team works under Operation Zanella. The operation has resulted in arrests and prosecutions, and seizures of $13.6 million in cash.[47]

Criminal assets confiscation

2.44      The AFP has enhanced its focus on asset confiscation through the joint Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce. The taskforce is led by the AFP and comprises 'the expertise and resources of the AFP, the [then] Australian Crime Commission and the Australian Taxation Office'. The taskforce has investigation and litigation teams in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

2.45      In 2014–15 the taskforce's activities resulted in the restraint of $246.6 million in assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.[48]

National Anti-Gangs Squad

2.46      The AFP participates in the National Anti-Gangs Squad, which aims to:

protect the Australian community by targeting gangs such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, which are heavily involved in a variety of crime types including drug importing, trafficking, manufacture and distribution; money laundering; tax evasion; and violence.[49]

International and regional engagement

2.47      The AFP's International Network aims to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with Australian and foreign law enforcement partners. According to the AFP:

[it] relies on these relationships for police-to-police investigations and exchange of intelligence, information and assistance through shared facilities, joint operations and advice.[50]

2.48      At 30 June 2015, the International Network had 99 members deployed in 29 countries 'to broker collaboration with international law enforcement agencies' and to 'support bilateral and multilateral cooperation'.

2.49      In 2014–15, the AFP continued to work closely with law enforcement partners in the Pacific region. In particular, during 2014–15 the AFP participated in two transnational child exploitation investigation workshops in Indonesia.[51] The AFP has a significant focus on collaborating with law enforcement counterparts in Southeast Asia (through joint operational work and capacity building) to combat transnational child sexual exploitation.

Operation Arew

2.50      On 17 July 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was downed in eastern Ukraine. All passengers and crew, including 38 Australians, were killed in the crash.

2.51      Through Operation Arew, the AFP is contributing to the Australian whole-of-government response to the incident.

2.52      In the initial aftermath, the AFP deployed over 180 personnel to Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe to undertake duties including search, investigations, intelligence, disaster victim identification and forensics support. During this initial phase, AFP personnel were part of international teams that accessed the crash scene to recover remains and personal effects.[52]

2.53      The remains of all Australian victims were identified by December 2014; however, during 2015 the AFP continued to deploy investigators, intelligence officers and forensics specialists to the Netherlands and Ukraine to support both criminal investigations and forensic analysis.

Human trafficking

2.54      The AFP supports the Australian government's strategy to combat human trafficking; the strategy has four central pillars:

• prevention;
• detection and investigation;
• criminal prosecution; and
• victim support and rehabilitation.[53]

2.55      In 2014–15, the AFP received 119 human trafficking referrals; 105 of these were accepted for further investigation.  This was a significant increase from 2013–14, in which 70 referrals were received, 60 of which were accepted for further investigation.[54]

2.56      During 2014–15, the AFP both hosted and attended training specifically addressing human trafficking investigations. In both 2014 and 2015, the AFP delivered a Human Trafficking Investigations Course in Canberra for AFP investigators, state and territory police, and representatives of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The course:

is designed to advance expertise in areas critical to the successful investigation of human trafficking and slavery, including legislation, investigative methodologies, interviewing, and victim liaison and support.[55]

2.57      In August 2014, members of the AFP Human Trafficking Team attended the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand to deliver a two week workshop on international human trafficking investigations. The workshop is intended to 'raise the skills of police and other agencies in the region in preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting cases of human trafficking in accordance with best practice'.[56]

Northern Territory Child Abuse Taskforce

2.58      During 2014–15 the AFP to deploy officers to the Northern Territory Child Abuse Taskforce to assist in the investigation of child sexual abuse in remote Northern Territory communities.

2.59      In 2014–15, the taskforce conducted 178 investigations, focused on serial violence and child abuse as well as other criminality in Indigenous communities that contributes to these crimes.[57]

International Mail Processing and Disruption Strategy

2.60      The International Mail Processing and Disruption Strategy was initiated in response to a significant increase in the volume and frequency of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals being imported through international mail.[58] The strategy 'aims to disrupt organised criminal activity through an intelligence-led and efficient approach to the AFP's processing, examination and analysis of international mail seizures'.[59]

2.61      As part of the strategy, the AFP has partnered with its state and territory counterparts as well as the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to pursue criminal syndicates that import illicit substances via the mail, with a particular focus on the importation of methamphetamine.[60]

Fraud and Anti-Corruption Centre

2.62      The Fraud and Anti-Corruption Centre, opened on 31 July 2014, 'is a multi-agency initiative established to enhance the Commonwealth's ability to prevent, detect and investigate serious and complex Commonwealth fraud and corruption, including foreign bribery and identity security offences'.[61] A range of Commonwealth agencies participate in the centre, including the ATO, the then ACC, the then Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), the DIBP, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Department of Defence, AUSTRAC, the DHS and the DFAT.

2.63      The centre is focussed on strengthening the capacity of law enforcement to respond to serious and complex fraud, foreign bribery, corruption by Australian government employees, and complex identity crime. Consistent with the AFP's external agency referral processes:

the centre undertakes detailed and joint evaluations of serious and complex fraud and corruption matters to ensure a comprehensive understanding of current issues and the most effective use of collective investigative resources.[62]

2.64      The annual report highlighted two operations during 2014–15 that targeted fraud and corruption. Operation Leith—a joint investigation with ASIC—investigated an insider trading scheme facilitated between a National Australia Bank employee and an employee of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in which the two men used market sensitive information to profit from movements in the foreign exchange derivatives market. As a result, the men were arrested and subsequently charged with insider trading contrary to the Corporations Act 2001 and offences including money laundering and abuse of public office contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995. The operation also led to in excess of $7 million being forfeited following action by the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce.[63]

2.65      Operation Blare investigated allegations that directors and contractors of an Australian-based construction company paid bribes to Iraqi government officials. It was alleged that approximately US$1 million was transferred overseas for the payment of bribes.

2.66      In February 2015, the AFP executed search warrants on residential and business premises in western Sydney, resulting in a man being arrested and charged with conspiracy to bribe a foreign public official, and dealing in proceeds of crime contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995. 

High Tech Crime Operations

2.67      The High Tech Crime Operations function 'investigates specific offences through its Cyber Crime and Child Protection teams and provides the organisation with technical and physical support across all crime types'.[64] The function:

combats the threats of cybercrime through disruption,, mitigation activities and prosecution of cyber-related crimes against the Commonwealth; through education initiatives and broader technical capabilities.[65]

2.68      During 2014–15, High Tech Crime Operations responded to child sex exploitation online and in travel and tourism, resulting in 56 offenders being arrested or summonsed for more than 145 child sex offence charges. It also expanded the ThinkUKnow cybersafety program (to include the NSW Police Force), and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was brought on board as a major sponsor. ThinkUKnow school presentations reached more than 19,000 children and more than 200 ThinkUKnow presentations were delivered to parents, carers and teachers.[66]

2.69      The 2014–15 financial year also saw the enactment of the Enhancing Online Safety for Children Act 2015 and the appointment of Australia's first Children's eSafety Commissioner. The AFP supported these developments.[67]

Australian Cyber Security Centre

2.70      The Australian Cyber Security Centre was launched in 2014–15 and is 'responsible for Australia's cybersecurity operational capabilities in Canberra. It focusses on government and non-government networks, critical infrastructure and the business sector'.[68]

2.71      According to the AFP, the 'centre enables embedded AFP members to work more collaboratively and build on relationships established under the former Cyber Security Operations Centre'. AFP members working within the centre provide a law enforcement context to the analysis of cyber threats and use their legislative powers and liaison networks to contribute to the whole-of-government threat awareness and response capability.

2.72      During 2014–15, embedded officers supported government and industry preparations for the G20 Leaders' Summit, including the development of a threat and risk picture, as well as participation in exercises to test the preparedness of agencies to respond to potential incidents.[69]

National and international collaboration and cooperation

2.73      In January 2015, an AFP Cybercrime Operations member was seconded to the National Cyber Forensics and Training Alliance in Pittsburgh, USA. The alliance is a partnership between government agencies and private industry funded by the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and subscriptions.[70]

2.74      In January 2015, an AFP member was also seconded to Interpol's Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The Global Complex was first opened in April 2015 and 'is poised to become Interpol's leading edge research and development facility of the identification of crimes and criminals, innovative training, operational support and partnerships'.[71]

2.75      The 2014–15 financial year also saw the AFP's third strategic secondment to Europol's Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce in Europol's Cybercrime Centre in The Hague. The taskforce works with a coalition of countries from across Europe and beyond to coordinate the operational responses to current and emerging global cyber threats.[72]

Operation Alastria

2.76      The annual report highlighted Operation Alastria, which commenced in 2013 to 'proactively investigate, prosecute and disrupt "hacktivism"—that is, activities of issue-motivated groups in the theft of personal data and in defacing and "denial of service" attacks on websites'.[73] In 2014–15 Operation Alastria focused on the group called Anonymous and activities in the lead up to the G20 Leaders' Summit in Australia during November 2014. At the time of publication of the annual report, the AFP had executed eight search warrants in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, with the subsequent arrest of five people. Of those five people, two were convicted, a third had pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing, while the remaining two offenders were awaiting trial.[74]

National Missing Persons Coordination Centre

2.77      The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre is responsible for reducing the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia. The Centre's primary activities are education and awareness-raising initiatives and events including National Missing Persons Week, International Missing Children's Day and Day for Daniel (in memory of Daniel Morcombe).[75]

2.78      In 2014–15, the focus of International Missing Children's Day was on children who have been abducted by a parent. The 2014 National Missing Persons Week focussed on vulnerable groups such as those with dementia and the annual event was launched in collaboration with Alzheimer's Australia.[76]

International Deployment Group

2.79      The purpose of the International Deployment Group is to reduce crime and national security threats by delivering collaborative law and order capacity development missions; participating in internationally mandated peace operations; and providing civil policing assistance in the region in accordance with Australia's foreign policy priorities.[77]

2.80      The annual report identifies the following highlights in 2014–15:

• 365 courses to develop the leadership and professional capabilities of regional law enforcement partners were conducted, raining 4896 law and justice officials from 16 nations across the Indo-Pacific region;
• contributing to the development of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2185, The Role of Police in Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding;
• the development and delivery of a pilot regional training package to police from ten Pacific Island nations on domestic and gender-based violence and the rights of women; and
• the introduction of a 'Lessons Management System' to ensure that lessons learned are integrated into the guidelines that direct missions.

2.81      During 2014–15, the AFP undertook police development missions in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and Nauru. The AFP also continued its participation in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) by providing both staff and equipment to the Participating Police Force.[78] In 2014, the Participating Police Force supported the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to provide 'a safe and secure environment for the Solomon Islands community to vote in the Solomon Islands National General Election', which 'required an appropriate policing and security presence throughout the country's nine provinces and at 882 polling stations'.[79]

Specialist Response Group

2.82      The AFP Specialist Response Group gives the AFP 'the capability to rapidly deploy locally, nationally or internationally to de-escalate conflict situations, resolve high-risk situations, enhance community safety and respond to regional natural disasters'.[80]

2.83      During 2014–15, the Specialist Response Group contributed to a number of major operations, including:

• assisting with the search and recovery operation in Ukraine following the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17;
• deploying specialist policing capability (maritime, bomb response, tactical and marksman) in support of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brisbane in November 2014; and
• supporting the RSIPF during the Solomon Islands National General Election in November 2014.[81]

Protection

2.84      Throughout 2014–15, the AFP continued to 'participate and cooperate with Commonwealth, state and territory partner agencies to provide effective close personal protection' both in Australia and overseas to a range of dignitaries.[82]

2.85      The AFP also provided uniform protection services to diplomatic and consular missions, Commonwealth Government establishments and members of the federal government. In addition, during 2014 the AFP assumed primary responsibility for security at the Australian Parliament House.[83]

Close Personal Protection

2.86      During 2014–15, the AFP provided close personal protection for 30 visits to Australia by internationally protected persons, including the Prime Ministers of Japan, the United Kingdom, India and the Netherlands; the Presidents of the People's Republic of China and France; the Chancellor of Germany; their Royal Highnesses Princes Edward and Henry; and His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.[84]

2.87      The AFP also supported major events such as the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit; Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux; the Asian Football Confederation Cup; and the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup.[85]

Uniform Protection

2.88      In 2014–15, AFP protective service officers provided uniformed protective security at a range of 'critical infrastructure sites and establishments that are of interest to the Commonwealth'.[86]

Security at the Australian Parliament House

2.89      In September 2014, the AFP participated in a number of whole of government security reviews at the Australian Parliament House as a result of Australia's National Terrorism Public Alert System threat level being raised to 'high'.

2.90      As a result of these reviews, the Presiding Officers appointed the AFP as the lead agency for security and response operations at Parliament House from 21 September 2014. A New Policy Proposal, approved on 22 October 2014, directly funded the AFP for security operations at Parliament House and allowed the number of AFP personnel deployed at Parliament House to be increased from 72 to 114.[87]

Performance: Support

Close Operational Support

2.91      The Close Operational Support area provides forensics, intelligence, legal, litigation, security, coordination and communication services to the AFP. According to the annual report, '[t]he services ensure the AFP remains well positioned to address advancements in criminal use of emerging technologies'.[88]

Forensics

2.92      The AFP's Forensics function provides forensic science and technical intelligence capabilities to the AFP, and is the sole provider of these to the Commonwealth. The annual report states that the AFP has continued to enhance its technical capabilities and that the AFP:

has positioned itself as a leader in its field, providing investigators with innovative intelligence and evidence collection methods that, in many cases, form the crucial link between offence and offender.[89]

2.93      2014-15 was a year of heightened demand, consistent with an upward trend in demand for forensic support to AFP operations. A particular focus has been providing support to counter-terrorism operations, for example:

• the imaging and geomatics capability, which provides high-end search and scene recording;
• handwriting comparisons and indentation analysis; and
• developing a new forensic capability in which soil is linked to its region of origin.[90]

Drug detection

2.94      Achievements during the year included the extended accreditation of the National Association of Testing Authorities to allow limited in-house analysis of illicit drug samples, providing expedited reporting to investigators. 

2.95      The National Drug Precursor Risk Assessment  Capability project concluded, enabling the Attorney-General's Department to propose consistent legislation in Australia to regulate precursor chemicals.

2.96      The Drug Monitoring System was launched in 2014-15; the system currently has information on more than 700 novel psychoactive substances, including their chemical identity and legislative status.[91]

Collaboration

2.97      During 2014-15 the AFP collaborated with a number of regional partners. The AFP assisted the Fiji Police Force obtain new equipment and provided specialist training. The AFP also delivered mobile device forensic training to agencies in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and a digital evidence training program in Pakistan.

2.98      The AFP provided pre- and post-blast training courses to the Indonesian National Police, and engaged with other southeast Asian countries through Interpol training workshops such as the Chemical Anti-Smuggling Enforcement Program.[92]

Intelligence

2.99      The AFP's Intelligence function provides advice to its strategic and operational decision-makers on law enforcement and national security priorities. It also provides 'high-value covert services to enable law enforcement to disrupt criminal activity in Australia and offshore'.[93]

2.100         The Integrated Intelligence Mode was implemented on 3 March 2015. The re-modelled intelligence function is intended to enhance:

• tactical intelligence input to AFP operations;
• identification of convergences and vulnerabilities in criminal activity across investigations;
• cooperation with national and international partners;
• alignment of intelligence outcomes with government, organisational and operational priorities; and
• efficiency in the allocation of resources.

2.101         The annual report states that the model also 'clarifies the Intelligence function's role within the AFP and its standing within the Australian intelligence community'.[94]

Working with domestic and international agencies

2.102         AFP Intelligence staff participated in or led the Joint Analysis Groups within the three Joint Intelligence Groups activated by the AFP during 2014-15 in support of counter-terrorism investigations. The Joint Analysis Groups provided intelligence assessments that informed operational decision-making and action.[95]

2.103         The AFP also seconded a staff member to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The AFP secondee 'was closely involved in developing information management and retrieval processes and assisting victims of abuse in the information gathering processes of the Royal Commission'.[96]

Operations Support

2.104         The AFP's Operations Support function:

• provides centralised monitoring, initial response, legal, coordination and communications support to AFP operations;
• implements and manages the AFP's security posture, including the Protective Security Policy Framework;
• delivers systems and processes; and
• oversees portfolio, program and project management.

Legal

2.105         AFP Legal supports the AFP by providing ongoing, dedicated risk management support and legal advice across all functions both domestically and internationally.

2.106         AFP Legal also manages the AFP's compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the Archives Act 1983 and the Privacy Act 1988. Despite an increase in requests for access to information, the number of requests awaiting processing decreased by about 50 per cent over 2014-15, and the average response time for applicants also reduced.[97]

Proceeds of crime litigation

2.107         The AFP leads the multi-agency Commonwealth Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT); as part of the CACT, the Proceeds of Crime Litigation (POCL) function contributes to the disruption and deterrence of serious and organised crime 'by taking the profit out of crime'.[98]

2.108         During 2014-15, more than $246.6 million in criminal assets was restrained by POCL, making it the most successful year to date.

2.109         2014-15 also saw legislative and policy reform to POCL, including for example the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Unexplained Wealth and Other Measures) Act 2015. 

2.110         Throughout 2014-15, POCL continued to engage with the Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (CARIN)[99] by participating in the CARIN Annual General Meeting and Conference in October 2014. POCL also participated in the Asset Recovery Interagency Network—Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP), of which Australia held the presidency during 2015.[100]

Spectrum and strategic programs

2.111         The Spectrum Program is responsible for replacing the AFP's current operational business systems, including Police Real-time On-line Management Information System (PROMIS), Evidence Management System (EMS) and the Complaint Recording and Management System (CRAMS). In 2014-15, the program continued work and the project is currently in the system design phase.

2.112         The Information Management Program is responsible for developing the strategic direction of information management and managing this capability for the AFP. In 2014-15, the Information Management Program initiated an information governance framework.

2.113         The AFP Portfolio Management Office centrally manages new policy proposals, projects and programs ('change initiatives') to 'ensure they remain strategically aligned and will achieve the desired outcomes'.[101]

2.114         In 2014-15, the AFP's investment portfolio comprised 99 change initiatives across a range of activities, totalling $148 million.

Resources and staffing

2.115         In 2014-15, the AFP reported a departmental comprehensive loss of $100 million. The annual report states that '[e]xcluding the impact of unfunded depreciation of $95 million, the AFP recorded a deficit for the year of $5 million, less than 1 per cent variance from the budget'.[102] The report notes that this 'result was achieved in the context of a successful year in which the AFP has met all its performance targets and delivered effectively for the government on national security,...international deployments...and meeting international aid responsibilities'.[103]

2.116         The departmental operating income for 2014-15 was $1336 million comprising:

• $1061 million in government appropriation ($992 million in 2013-14);
• $160 million from the ACT government for policing services ($159 million in 2013-14); and
• $115 million in other revenue ($158 million in 2013-14).[104]

2.117         The AFP also received an additional $35 million ($31 million in 2013-14) in government appropriation for departmental capital expenditure and $84 million ($59 million in 2013-14) in equity injections.[105] The AFP also administered $18 million in expenses on behalf of the Commonwealth government during 2014-15 (a reduction of $2 million compared with 2013-14).[106]

2.118         As of 30 June 2015, the AFP had 6751 staff comprising 3550 sworn police, 681 protective service officers and 2520 unsworn staff.[107] Forty four per cent of AFP staff were located outside the ACT, including 362 staff based overseas and 30 serving in Commonwealth external territories.[108]

2.119         Thirty five per cent of AFP staff were female, an increase from 30 June 2014.[109]

2.120         The AFP continued to experience low attrition rates in 2014-15. Overall, the attrition rate at 30 June 2015 was 2.40 per cent.[110]

2.121         The following table provides a comparison of staffing figures between
2013-14 and 2014-15.[111]

Table 1—AFP staffing 2013-14 and 2014-15

Sworn status	2013-14	2014-15
Sworn police	3620	3550
Protective service officer	639	681
Unsworn staff	2582	2520
Total	6841	6751

Committee view

2.122         The committee is satisfied that the AFP has met its KPIs for 2014–15, although notes it has done so with a lower overall stakeholder satisfaction rating of 89 per cent.

2.123         In relation to the AFP's financial statements, the committee agrees that the AFP has had a successful year, notwithstanding the deficit of $5 million. The committee notes that the deficit represents less a variance of less than 1 per cent from the AFP's budget. The committee will continue to monitor the AFP's financial statements accordingly.

Navigation: Previous Page | Contents | Next Page