Union Threatens to Leave Parliament House Unprotected in Pay Dispute
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is threatening to leave Parliament House without protection later this week in a push for a 20% pay increase. This comes amid heightened concerns over politician safety, following a recent incident where protesters scaled the building's roof.
The AFP officers, who guard the perimeter of Parliament House and respond to security breaches, are planning to walk off the job during two sitting weeks for maximum impact. The AFPA claims that the proposed industrial action is necessary because the new pay deal for federal public servants, which includes a 11.2% pay rise over three years, doesn't meet the needs of its members. They argue that AFP officers are paid less than police in other states and perform more dangerous duties, such as stopping terrorists and protecting children.
The AFP has stated that it hasn't been notified of the planned action and will object to any proposal that places parliamentarians' safety at risk. They claim that withdrawing protection from parliamentarians during the first week of a sitting period is unlawful as it requires five business days' notice. The AFP also encourages the union to be mindful of its language, as suggesting that policing resources could be lawfully withdrawn can have a negative impact on stakeholders and the public.
The Senate president has provided an update on the review of Parliament House security following the recent protest incident. Short-term measures have been implemented to strengthen security, and long-term options are being investigated. The speaker and the Senate president take matters around the respect and safety of the building and its occupants very seriously.
The AFP is currently investigating the protest incident.