Australian Federal Police Association in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | Non-profit organisation

Australian Federal Police Association

Locality: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Phone: +61 2 6285 1677

Address: 3/53 Blackall Street, BARTON 2600 Canberra, ACT, Australia

Website: http://www.afpa.org.au

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15.01.2022 MEDIA RELEASE AFPA supports the call for an inquiry into the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Harm Reduction Policy... The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) welcomes the call from ACT Greens spokesperson for Drug Harm Minimisation Johnathan Davis MLA for an inquiry into the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Harm Reduction Policy . AFPA President Alex Caruana said that recent community discussion regarding the private members bill submitted by Member for Yerrabi Michael Pettersson MLA showed a need for much more dialogue and consultation and that the suggestion of an inquiry into alcohol, tobacco and drug harm reduction represented an excellent step forward. Mr Pettersson’s bill is relatively narrow in its scope. My understanding is the inquiry will be trying to look at the bigger picture and see how the bill could work within community expectations. We don’t wholly oppose Mr Pettersson’s bill, but a lot more consultation, research and work needs to be incorporated into it. One of our biggest questions is whether the ACT has diversion strategies and organisations that can support people with short-term and long-term assistance. Drug dependence and addiction can’t be addressed with a few educational sessions and a $100 fine. For some people, it’s a life-long battle; these people need support. There is no point in pushing legislation through if people can’t get help and assistance at the other end." Without support, a person can become trapped in a cycle of drug dependence and potential criminal activity, with little chance of escaping or addressing their health concerns. We don’t want to see police resources being tied up dealing with the same people regularly due to drug dependence - we want a system that is proportionate and appropriate but also ensures that people get the help and support they need, Mr Caruana said. The AFPA supports Mr Davis’ call for the Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing to launch an inquiry into the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Harm Reduction Policy. Mr Caruana said that an inquiry would be the best way to take a temperature check of the community and facilitate a free and open discussion of the pros and cons of the policy in its current form. People are very passionate about this topic. Some people are adamant that drug suppliers and users require harsher punishment, while other people believe that all drugs should be decriminalised. Hopefully, if this inquiry does eventuate the outcome determined will be satisfactory to the community, and properly consider expert opinions from all sides of the debate, Mr Caruana said. END STATEMENT For comments: AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts (02) 6285 1677 [email protected]

12.01.2022 The AFPA has just published our new Campaigns page. The current campaign is Operation Recognition, and a core aim is to have the AFP exempted from the Public Sector Workplace Bargaining Policy. This Policy heavily restricts the potential for bargaining for better industrial agreements. On the page, we have a tool allowing you to input your postcode and sending a pre-populated email to your local Member of Parliament advocating for the AFP's exemption from the Policy. We have separate templates for AFP members, their family, and their friends. We urge everyone to join the fight. The Policy is unjust, restrictive and draconian.

05.01.2022 Alex reflects on a tough year with some well-earned wins for the membership. Our members are heroes one and all.

03.01.2022 For members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) super fund, we would like to encourage you to attend the CSC's virtual Annual Member Meeting. Please go directly to the below link to register. You're also able to download a copy of the agenda and submit questions to the CSC to be answered during the meeting.

03.01.2022 We wish all of our members, their families and friends the very best for a safe and happy Christmas. It has been a trying year, and we recognise that many of our members (and by extension, members in all jurisdictions around Australia) are selflessly working over Christmas and New Year to keep us safe. We simply say "Thank you".