Women at the AFP

Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or returning to the workforce, the AFP offers meaningful work, flexibility and long-term career opportunities, supporting women at every stage of their working life.
Pathways Leave, pay & benefits Apply now

Women leading change

Women at the AFP play an important role in shaping strategy, leading operations and driving the future of policing. Backed by the Gender Equity Action Plan, the AFP is creating stronger pathways and a more inclusive leadership environment, with women now holding 44.2% of senior executive roles.

The AFP provides clear career pathways with opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development. Grow your career with confidence in a secure government role, supported by mentoring and development frameworks that help you build skills, progress your career, and increase earning potential.

Appointed as the AFP’s first female Commissioner in 2025, Krissy Barrett has committed to strengthening diverse leadership, culture, opportunity and integrity to make the AFP the world’s best police agency to work for and a place where women can thrive at every level. 

Flexibility and leave

Depending on the role and operational needs, you can access:

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Part‑time options, job sharing, or adjusted hours
  • Career breaks and return‑to‑work pathways. 

The AFP also offers its members*:

  • 6 weeks of paid annual leave plus an additional 4 leave days, known as mandatory rest days, a year
  • 18 days paid personal/carers leave
  • 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers and 14 weeks for secondary caregivers (with an additional 4 weeks from February 2027).

*Benefits differ for executive levels.  

Learn more about leave, pay and benefits
Financial security

Transparent pay structures, 15.4% superannuation as well as:

  • Paid parental leave
  • A range of allowances and leave entitlements 
  • A strong financial foundation.  

As a federal government agency, a career with the AFP offers financial stability and long-term security. 

Learn more about leave, pay and benefits
Tell us where you want to work

With opportunities available across Australia, you will apply to join the AFP in your preferred location. If successful in the sworn application process, you will be offered a role based on that nominated location. With offices in every capital city, regional and remote locations, there are many options for you to choose from.

Learn more about where the AFP is located
Support with sworn fitness requirements

Upon graduation from AFP College, our team of health professionals will work with you to ensure you’re both mentally and physically ready for operational duties, with ongoing support encouraged. 

Learn more about health and wellbeing
A female officer on a ship

Your experience counts

The experience you bring from past jobs, sporting teams and interests create a strong foundation for a rewarding role protecting the Australian community.

Skills gained in industries such as retail, nursing, hospitality, customer service and community services translate into policing and protective service roles.

Gained skills often look like:

  • strong communication and interpersonal abilities
  • problem solving and sound judgement
  • empathy and resilience
  • the ability to stay calm under pressure
  • teamwork and collaboration in fast-paced environments.
Apply now

Hear from women who work at the AFP

Women at the AFP come from all walks of life. Some join straight from school or university, while others transition from different industries, return after career breaks, or start later in life.

The Australian Federal Police provided Sarah the flexibility of being on maternity leave for 8 months, come back to work full-time, and to also have days at home to spend time with her daughter.

They see the difference you make. And because I enjoy work, it makes me a better mum".

Detective Sergeant Sarah Hammond

Bec is proud to be part of an organisation that puts a focus on diversity and excited about opportunities and career growth within the AFP.

Here I am nearly 20 years later and still absolutely loving every day”.

Superintendent Rebecca Goddard

Women in policing and protection

Meet the women behind the badge at our upcoming information sessions. Listen to their journeys, hear about the role, training and support available. 

Learn more
An image of a female officer
A female officer on a bridge

Women’s networks and support

Our women’s networks and mentorship initiatives provide opportunities to connect with peers, access mentoring, and share experiences across the organisation.

By fostering a strong sense of community, championing gender equality and providing practical support, together we can create a workplace where you feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. 

Learn more
A female protective service officer

Ready to take the next step?

If you’ve ever considered a career in policing, or wondered whether it could be right for you, the AFP encourages you to explore what’s possible.

From sworn policing and protection roles to specialist and corporate support roles. Australia-wide. Grow your career with the AFP.

Apply now
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