Our Purpose

The AFP is the Australian Government’s primary law enforcement agency. We are a key member of the Australian law enforcement and national security community.

Our purpose is to enforce Commonwealth criminal law, contribute to combating organised crime and protecting Commonwealth interests from criminal activity in Australia and overseas. This purpose is derived from section 8 of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 and informed by an associated Ministerial Direction articulated under section 37 (2) of the Act.

Our main roles are to provide policing and associated support services for:

• the Commonwealth and safeguarding Commonwealth interests
• the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Jervis Bay Territory and Australia’s external territories (Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Cocos-Keeling Islands)
• cooperation with Australian and foreign law enforcement agencies, intelligence or security agencies or government regulatory agencies
• establishment, development and monitoring of peace, stability and security in foreign countries.

The AFP also provides protective and other policing functions as directed by the Minister.

Our environment is a fluid one and we are regularly called upon to lead and contribute to whole-of-government initiatives relating to law enforcement and national security issues. Current key strategic priorities¹ for the AFP include leading or contributing to efforts that:

• counter the threat of terrorism and violent extremism
• prevent, deter, disrupt and investigate serious and organised crime
• recover proceeds of crime and disrupt money-laundering activities
• contribute to Australian international law enforcement interests through cooperation with key international partners and respond to emergencies, law and order capacity-building missions and internationally mandated peace operations
• counter the threat of cybercrime
• protect specified individuals, establishments and events at risk of security threats
• disrupt the operation of criminal gangs, reduce proliferation of child exploitation material and reduce harm caused by illicit drugs
• prevent, deter and disrupt people smuggling
• ensure aviation security.