Subsection 37(2) of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 provides that the minister responsible for the AFP may give written direction to the AFP Commissioner with respect to the general policy to be pursued in relation to the performance of functions of the AFP.
Current Ministerial Directions
There are currently 2 Ministerial Directions that apply to the AFP:
- A Ministerial Direction issued on 8 August 2019 by then-Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, which provides direction in relation to investigative action involving a professional journalist or news media organisation in the context of an unauthorised disclosure of material made or obtained by a current or former Commonwealth officer.
- A Ministerial Direction issued on 16 December 2020 by then-Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, which outlines the expected focus areas for the AFP.
Ministerial Directions remain valid until revoked or otherwise superseded.
Responses to Ministerial Directions
- On 18 December 2020, the AFP Commissioner issued a Statement of Intent in response to the Ministerial Direction issued on 16 December 2020.