UPDATE: The call for increased funding for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has intensified following alarming revelations that a national surveillance team was disbanded just prior to the recent Bondi attacks. This development has raised urgent concerns about the country’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
In a report from The West Australian, it has come to light that the AFP quietly dismantled a dedicated squad in Canberra focused on monitoring High Risk Terrorist Offenders (HRTO) late last year. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonathan Duniam stated, “This is just the latest in a series of damning revelations from whistleblowers within the counter-terrorism system.”
Duniam is demanding immediate action from the government, urging support for the opposition’s proposals to bolster the AFP’s Counter-Terrorism Command and the Home Affairs’ Counter-Terrorism Coordination Centre. He emphasized that Australia is experiencing a counter-terrorism crisis due to chronic under-resourcing.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed “full confidence” in the AFP and defended the funding levels, claiming they are at “record levels.” However, Duniam countered that this claim is misleading, pointing to the ongoing threats that have only escalated.
The AFP acknowledged in a statement that “consideration was given to a reallocation in line with strategic and operational priorities,” but sources indicate that HRTO resourcing is expected to remain a critical focus in the ongoing review of intelligence and law enforcement conducted by former spy chief Dennis Richardson.
A senior national security figure revealed that dozens of prisoners convicted of terrorism offenses will soon be eligible for parole, necessitating an urgent increase in HRTO resources. Reports also surfaced that the AFP’s budget for covert operations was reduced late last year, leaving many essential tasks incomplete.
The AFP Association has previously warned that the force is suffering from “chronic and worsening shortages” of counter-terrorism officers, especially highlighted weeks before the Bondi massacre. A document prepared by the union noted that counter-terrorism operations have surged by more than 280 percent since 2015, reflecting a necessary shift toward proactive disruption of domestic and offshore networks.
“Australia’s threat environment is not shrinking; it is expanding rapidly,” stated AFPA President Alex Caruana. “The men and women of the AFP stand on the front line every day, and they deserve the resources required to keep doing so effectively.”
As the situation develops, the stakes are high. The Australian public is urged to stay informed and support calls for critical funding to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The future of the AFP’s counter-terrorism operations hinges on immediate government action to address these pressing concerns.
The debate over funding and resource allocation in the face of rising threats continues, with the opposition pushing for urgent reforms. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the need for robust counter-terrorism measures has never been more crucial.
