Pay and conditions
Pay
- Details of pay for various Bands within the AFP are in the Collective Agreement 2007–2011.
- ACT Policing and Federal Agent recruits are paid $43,903 during the 20 weeks live-in training, after graduation the salary increases to $45,554 (plus a 22 per cent composite allowance).
- Protective Service Officers are paid $40,790 on commencement. They are subject to 11 weeks live-in training. Incremental advancement will occur 12 months after the date of engagement.
- Lateral transfer recruits joining the AFP from a state or territory police service retain benefits accrued throughout their career (recognised through appropriate remuneration strategies). Previously negotiated salaries are payable from the start of training, within the range of $43,903 to $65,045 a year. After successfully completing the training program, the composite allowance will reflect the working pattern of the function to which they are assigned.
- While living-in at the AFP College all meals, housekeeping and linen are provided, however, a contribution toward the cost of meals and accommodation (currently $100 per week) is required.
Remuneration and certain entitlements may vary between categories of AFP employment depending on:
- location within Australia or overseas
- the type of work undertaken
- working patterns
- work/life balance.
Additional allowances are paid, for example, on overseas service, deployments to high cost living areas, and as compensation for hours in excess of the normal working week.
Leave
Attractive leave provisions also apply:
- 6 weeks (30 days) paid recreation leave per year (with options to purchase additional leave or cash out leave)
- 4 mandatory rest days per year
- 18 days paid personal leave per year
- 14 weeks paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) for each confinement, and an additional 40 weeks maternity leave without pay
- 3 months (or 6 months on half pay) paid long service leave after 10 years’ continuous Commonwealth service
- 6 weeks paid adoption leave
- 2 days of compassionate leave in the case of illness, injury or death of an employee’s immediate family or a member of the employee’s household.
Other conditions and benefits
The Australian Federal Police Act 1979 and other Commonwealth employment legislation establish the employment framework for all AFP employees while specific conditions of service are set out in the Collective Agreement 2007–2011.
Both the employment framework and the conditions of service are designed to maximise AFP core business by attracting, developing and maintaining a professional and flexible workforce.
For example, the AFP offers many other benefits and opportunities to its employees, including:
- standardised conditions of service including a 40-hour working week (subject to flexible working requirements)
- comprehensive superannuation measures
- advancement and career mechanisms
- substantial investment in professional development, which produces high levels of skill and knowledge
- a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation in an environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment
- a team-based culture offering support and assistance
- interesting and challenging work
- variety that is second to none
- work that has significance for the entire Australian community
- active involvement with overseas law enforcement agencies, liaison posts in many countries, and international peace keeping obligations
- an equal opportunity employer and smoke-free work place.
Mobility
Mobility is a feature of AFP employment and AFP management may move employees from time-to-time to meet business priorities. In such circumstances, all reasonable costs arising from the relocation of an employee and their household will be met.
Probation
New AFP employees are initially engaged on probation with continued employment subject to satisfactory performance assessment.
Whole-of-life integrity
Employment in the AFP is unique in the Australian public sector in that the organisation embraces whole-of-life integrity. This means that employees abide by AFP security requirements and observe the law both during and beyond normal working hours. Breaking the law or violating AFP security may result in the termination of employment.