Media Release: New operational model at Sydney Airport

Release Date: Friday, March 30 2012, 11:35 AM

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will today be assuming full responsibility for policing and security at Sydney Airport as part of new arrangements to further enhance the safety and security of the Australian travelling public.

The AFP’s new ‘All-In’ policing and security model has now been implemented at Sydney Airport; the second of 10 airports, following the implementation at Melbourne in December last year. This model will be progressively rolled out to the remaining eight major airports, with full implementation anticipated by the end of 2013.

The Australian Government announced a new model for the policing of Australia’s major airports in December 2009, in response to the Federal Audit of Police Capabilities.

Under the previous operational model, Airport Uniform Policing capabilities were performed by State and Territory Police forces while Counter-Terrorist First Response capabilities were performed by AFP Protective Service Officers.

The transition to the new ‘All-In’ model has established a single, flexibly deployable sworn AFP workforce that will allow for a more integrated approach to airport policing.

AFP National Manager Aviation Shane Connelly said that the new model represents a significant milestone for the AFP.

“The AFP places great importance on protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining the safety and security of the travelling public at Australia’s major airports,” Assistant Commissioner Connelly said. 

“Since 2005, the AFP has worked successfully with New South Wales Police in performing police duties at Sydney airport. I would like to thank NSW Police for the great service they have provided and I look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

Today also marks the official opening of the AFP’s new Aviation facility at Sydney Airport. Today’s opening is the second facility to be unveiled across Australia’s major airports.  The remaining facilities are scheduled to be completed in 2013/14. 

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