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Force profile · AFP and ACT

Australian Federal Police
national policing, ACT Policing and PSOs

One enterprise agreement covers three very different jobs: investigating federal crime nationally and overseas, community policing in Canberra, and protecting airports, Parliament and Defence sites as a Protective Service Officer. Here's how each one pays, recruits and progresses.

Updated 9 October 2026 19 min read Sources checked 9 October 2026 Independent, not advice

The short answer

A newly sworn AFP constable, national or ACT, earns $72,317 base (Band 2.4) from 9 December 2025, or an advertised $91,726.74 with the 22% composite and the $3,500 Use of Force allowance. Employer super is 15.4%. Recruits train for 26 weeks at the AFP College in Canberra on $69,698.

Constable package

$91,727

Band 2.4 + 22% + Use of Force

Employer super

15.4%

well above the 12% minimum

PSO package

$82,500

Band 2.1, start

Next pay rise

2.7%

from 9 December 2026

Contents +
  1. 1Three jobs, one employer
  2. 2ACT Policing
  3. 3Pay: bands and packages
  4. 4The 22% composite and overtime
  5. 5Protective Service Officers and remote sites
  6. 6Eligibility and selection
  7. 7Online testing, fitness and health
  8. 8AFP College and probation
  9. 9Experienced officers, ADF and First Nations
  10. 10Progression through the bands
  11. 11Leave, super and retirement
  12. 12Workforce and recent news
  13. 13Pros and cons
  14. 14What isn't confirmed
  15. 15FAQs
  16. 16Sources

Three jobs, one employer: what the AFP actually does

Before you apply, decide which of the AFP's three frontline roles you want. They're very different days at work.

The Australian Federal Police is the national policing agency. Its Commissioner since 4 October 2025 is Krissy Barrett, the ninth Commissioner and the first woman in the role. For job seekers it's really three employers in one, all on a single enterprise agreement:

Federal policing National police officer Investigate federal crime: counter-terrorism, cybercrime, child protection, fraud, serious organised crime and aviation, including policing at Australia's 9 major airports. Postings Australia-wide and overseas. Canberra ACT Policing officer Community policing for Canberra from one of 5 police stations: patrol, response, family violence, road policing and local crime. Protective Protective Service Officer Protect airports, Parliament House, Defence sites and ANSTO, and provide protection for diplomatic personnel. Remote sites pay large extra allowances.

All three share the same eligibility, the same online tests and fitness assessment, and the AFP College in Canberra. They differ in training length (26 weeks for police, 15 for PSOs), starting pay point and where you'll work. The AFP is currently prioritising ACT community policing and PSO roles in Canberra, Perth, Exmouth, Geraldton and Pine Gap, and some other choices are on hold.

Constable base

$72,317

Band 2.4 from 9 Dec 2025

Employer super

15.4%

on ordinary time earnings

Annual leave

6 weeks

plus 4 Mandatory Rest Days

Compulsory retirement

None

retire any time after 55

Pay is set by the Australian Federal Police Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 (FWC AE526995), approved by the Fair Work Commission on 2 December 2024 and operating from 9 December 2024. It covers national police, ACT Policing, PSOs, unsworn staff and Executive Level staff. It nominally expires on 9 December 2027, so bargaining for the next agreement is close.

Latest

AFP pay rise December 2026: what the 2.7% rise on 9 December means for every band.

ACT Policing: community policing for Canberra

Same employer, same pay, a very local job.

ACT Policing is the community policing arm of the AFP. It polices the ACT under a purchase agreement with the ACT Government. ACT officers are AFP employees on the same pay scale and allowances as everyone else in the AFP; we found no ACT-specific allowance.

The job is what most people picture as policing: patrolling Canberra, responding to incidents, and dealing with robbery, drug offences, family violence and traffic incidents. After probation you can move into specialist work such as crash investigation, family violence, fraud, intelligence, major crime or road policing. New ACT recruits do the same 26-week College course and earn the same $91,726.74 package after graduation.

ACT Policing staff

1,037

767 sworn, June 2025

Police stations

5

in Canberra

Shortfall (AFPA view)

~300

sworn members

Staffing is the big issue. The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) says ACT Policing is about 300 sworn members short. The 2023-24 ACT Budget funded 126 extra police personnel over five years (later lifted to 150), and the 2026-27 ACT Budget put an initial $3.8 million towards planning a new City Police Station and ACT Policing headquarters.

Not confirmed

We couldn't read the current ACT Policing Purchase Agreement (2022-2026, amended in June 2026) or confirm who the current ACT Chief Police Officer is. Neither changes your pay, which is set by the AFP agreement.

AFP pay in 2026: bands, packages and the December rise

The AFP uses broadbands, not rank titles. Here's the sworn part of the scale.

From 9 Dec 2025 (4.0% increase; current): police and PSO broadbands

Band 2 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
2.1
Base (current)
$64,754
Base + 22% composite
$79,000 calc
From 9 December 2026
$66,502

Band 2 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
2.2
Base (current)
$67,260
Base + 22% composite
$82,057 calc
From 9 December 2026
$69,076

Band 2 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
2.3
Base (current)
$69,698
Base + 22% composite
$85,032 calc
From 9 December 2026
$71,580

Band 2 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
2.4
Base (current)
$72,317
Base + 22% composite
$88,227 calc
From 9 December 2026
$74,270

Band 2 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
2.5
Base (current)
$75,233
Base + 22% composite
$91,784 calc
From 9 December 2026
$77,264

Band 3 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
3.1
Base (current)
$75,233
Base + 22% composite
$91,784 calc
From 9 December 2026
$77,264

Band 3 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
3.2
Base (current)
$78,291
Base + 22% composite
$95,515 calc
From 9 December 2026
$80,405

Band 3 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
3.3
Base (current)
$81,350
Base + 22% composite
$99,247 calc
From 9 December 2026
$83,546

Band 3 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
3.4
Base (current)
$84,597
Base + 22% composite
$103,208 calc
From 9 December 2026
$86,881

Band 3 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
3.5
Base (current)
$87,836
Base + 22% composite
$107,160 calc
From 9 December 2026
$90,208

Band 4 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
4.1
Base (current)
$87,836
Base + 22% composite
$107,160 calc
From 9 December 2026
$90,208

Band 4 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
4.2
Base (current)
$91,420
Base + 22% composite
$111,532 calc
From 9 December 2026
$93,888

Band 4 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
4.3
Base (current)
$95,000
Base + 22% composite
$115,900 calc
From 9 December 2026
$97,565

Band 4 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
4.4
Base (current)
$98,963
Base + 22% composite
$120,735 calc
From 9 December 2026
$101,635

Band 4 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
4.5
Base (current)
$103,256
Base + 22% composite
$125,972 calc
From 9 December 2026
$106,044

Band 5 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
5.1
Base (current)
$103,256
Base + 22% composite
$125,972 calc
From 9 December 2026
$106,044

Band 5 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
5.2
Base (current)
$107,566
Base + 22% composite
$131,231 calc
From 9 December 2026
$110,470

Band 5 (Constable/PSO)

Pay point
5.3
Base (current)
$111,861
Base + 22% composite
$136,470 calc
From 9 December 2026
$114,881

Band 6 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
6.1
Base (current)
$111,861
Base + 22% composite
$136,470 calc
From 9 December 2026
$114,881

Band 6 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
6.2
Base (current)
$117,642
Base + 22% composite
$143,523 calc
From 9 December 2026
$120,818

Band 6 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
6.3
Base (current)
$123,420
Base + 22% composite
$150,572 calc
From 9 December 2026
$126,752

Band 7 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
7.1
Base (current)
$123,420
Base + 22% composite
$150,572 calc
From 9 December 2026
$126,752

Band 7 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
7.2
Base (current)
$127,806
Base + 22% composite
$155,923 calc
From 9 December 2026
$131,257

Band 7 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

Pay point
7.3
Base (current)
$132,185
Base + 22% composite
$161,266 calc
From 9 December 2026
$135,754

Base salary from Attachment A of the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. The composite column is calculated by us (base × 1.22) and applies only on the Operations or Rostered Operations working pattern; it isn't paid at the College. The AFP's advertised packages also add the Use of Force allowance. The 9 December 2025 and 2026 dates are calculated from the EA's '12/24 months after commencement' wording.

Police recruits are paid at Band 2.3 ($69,698) at the College and become Band 2.4 ($72,317) on graduation. PSOs start at Band 2.1 ($64,754). The EA doesn't map bands to rank titles like Senior Constable or Sergeant: the Constable broadband is Bands 2 to 5 and the Team Leader/Sergeant broadband is Bands 6 and 7. Executive Level staff earn $175,089 to $231,035 and don't receive the composite or overtime.

New constable package

$91,726.74

$72,317 × 1.22 + $3,500

After workbook + 12 months

$95,284.26

Band 3.1 package

From 9 December 2026

$74,270

Band 2.4 base after the 2.7% rise

Every pay point, the Technical Specialist scale and the pay history are on the AFP salary page. The next agreement's bargaining is tracked on the AFP pay deal page.

The 22% composite, shift allowances and overtime

The AFP pays for unsociable hours mainly through one flat composite, with small hourly extras on top.

Employees on the Operations or Rostered Operations working pattern receive a 22% of base salary Core Composite instead of separate shift, weekend and public holiday penalties. It's paid fortnightly and, unusually, counts as salary for super, so it also earns 15.4% employer super. It can be removed on 28 days' notice if you can't or won't work the pattern.

Composites and penalty allowances (AFP EA 2024-2027)

Core Composite

Rate
22% of base salary
When
Operations/Rostered Operations patterns; counts for super

High Volume Operations composite

Rate
Extra 35% of base salary, on top of the 22% Core Composite
When
Teams the Commissioner names as high volume; up to 50 hours a week averaged over 3 months; not super

Critical Event Composite

Rate
70% of base salary while assigned
When
Extraordinary events, minimum 7 days; replaces other composites and penalties

Night Shift Allowance

Rate
$9.50/hr (from 9 Dec 2024), $9.88/hr (from 9 Dec 2025), $10.15/hr (from 9 Dec 2026)
When
Hours worked 0000-0600

Unsociable Hours Allowance

Rate
$4.82/hr (from 9 Dec 2024), $5.01/hr (from 9 Dec 2025), $5.14/hr (from 9 Dec 2026)
When
Hours worked 0601-2359 Saturday and Sunday

Public holiday (normal hours)

Rate
An extra base hourly rate per hour
When
Rostered staff on a rest day get 8 extra hours' pay (max 13 a year)

Overtime: double time, by formula

All overtime is paid at the EA's Overtime Rate: (base salary × 12/313) ÷ 40, which is twice the ordinary hourly rate. For a Band 2.4 constable that's $34.66 an hour ordinary and $69.31 an hour overtime (our calculation from the EA formula). Overtime must be pre-approved and generally only counts once normal hours are met over the averaging or roster period. You can take TOIL instead, at two hours off for each overtime hour.

Normal hours are 40 a week on average (38 ordinary plus 2 reasonable additional hours, including a paid 24-minute meal break), with rostered shifts of 8 to 12 hours and 28 days' roster notice. Recall when you're not on call pays a minimum of 2.5 hours at the Overtime Rate.

On-call, close duty and recall

On-call (Operations/Rostered Operations): Monday-Thursday

Rate
$41.59 (from 9 Dec 2024), $43.25 (from 9 Dec 2025), $44.42 (from 9 Dec 2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Operations or Rostered Operations staff directed to be on call

On-call (Operations/Rostered Operations): Friday

Rate
$53.47 (2024), $55.61 (2025), $57.11 (2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Operations or Rostered Operations staff directed to be on call

On-call (Operations/Rostered Operations): Saturday, Sunday, public holiday

Rate
$59.42 (2024), $61.80 (2025), $63.47 (2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Operations or Rostered Operations staff directed to be on call

On-call (Operations/Rostered Operations): weekly

Rate
$415.90 (2024), $432.54 (2025), $444.22 (2026) for 7 continuous days
Who
Operations or Rostered Operations staff directed to be on call

On-call (Support pattern, or extra days beyond 7 in 28): Monday-Thursday

Rate
$53.47 (2024), $55.61 (2025), $57.11 (2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Support-pattern staff, and anyone agreeing to on-call beyond 7 days (but under 14) in 28

On-call (Support pattern, or extra days beyond 7 in 28): Friday

Rate
$59.42 (2024), $61.80 (2025), $63.47 (2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Support-pattern staff, and anyone agreeing to on-call beyond 7 days in 28

On-call (Support pattern, or extra days beyond 7 in 28): Saturday, Sunday, public holiday

Rate
$71.30 (2024), $74.15 (2025), $76.15 (2026) per period of up to 24 hours
Who
Support-pattern staff, and anyone agreeing to on-call beyond 7 days in 28

On-call (Support pattern, or extra days beyond 7 in 28): weekly

Rate
$540.66 (2024), $562.29 (2025), $577.47 (2026)
Who
Support-pattern staff, and anyone agreeing to on-call beyond 7 days in 28

On-call: additional period beyond the extra 7-day block

Rate
$77.24 (2024), $80.33 (2025), $82.50 (2026) per period
Who
Staff on call beyond the extra 7-day block

Recall to duty (not on call)

Rate
Overtime Rate, minimum 2.5 hours if the recall is 30 minutes or more
Who
Employees recalled while not on call

Close Duty Allowance

Rate
$59.42 (2024), $61.80 (2025), $63.46 (2026) per 24-hour period
Who
Employees directed to remain at the place of duty, available to recommence immediately

Worked example: what the composite adds

Base only

$2,256

per fortnight after tax, on $72,317

Full package

$2,764

per fortnight after tax, on $91,727

Employer super

$11,137

a year on base alone (15.4%), plus 15.4% of the composite

Free tool

Work out your AFP take-home pay

Choose the AFP, your band and the 22% composite, add the Use of Force allowance and overtime at the EA formula, and see your fortnightly pay after 2026-27 tax.

Calculate my AFP pay →

Protective Service Officers and the remote Defence sites

A shorter route in, and some of the highest-paying entry-level roles in Australian policing if you'll go remote.

PSOs patrol and secure critical infrastructure by vehicle, bike or on foot, control access to secure areas, conduct surveillance, respond to alarms and protect diplomatic personnel. They work at major airports, Parliament House, Department of Defence sites and ANSTO. Training is 15 weeks, leading to a Certificate IV in Protective Services, followed by a dedicated mentor for the first six months.

PSOs start at Band 2.1 ($64,754 base, $82,499.88 advertised package) and stay there for at least 12 months, including training. Since 1 July 2025 the PSO broadband has expanded from Bands 2-3 to Bands 2-5, with PS Team Leader/Sergeant at Bands 6-7, so PSOs now have a real career ladder.

Remote, deployment and use-of-force allowances

Use of Force Allowance

Amount
$3,000 a year (from 9 Dec 2024), $3,500 (from 9 Dec 2025), $4,000 (from 9 Dec 2026)
Who
Employees with current Use of Force certification (requalify through Operational Safety Training)

Rapid Deployment Allowance

Amount
$10,000 a year
Who
Roles the Commissioner determines must be ready to deploy

Remote Localities Allowance: Exmouth WA and Pine Gap NT

Amount
$10,970 a year
Who
Staff deployed to Exmouth or Pine Gap

Remote Localities Allowance: Geraldton WA

Amount
$3,708 a year
Who
Staff deployed to Geraldton

Remote Defence Capability Payment: Exmouth WA and Pine Gap NT

Amount
$45,000 a year
Who
PSOs at Defence sites in Exmouth and Pine Gap

Remote Defence Capability Payment: Geraldton WA

Amount
$16,500 a year
Who
PSOs at the Geraldton Defence site

Workplace Responsibility Allowance

Amount
$30.51 a fortnight (2024), $31.73 (2025), $32.59 (2026)
Who
First aid officers, HSRs, emergency wardens, harassment contact officers, mental health first aiders, confidants

Remote Localities Allowance and Remote Defence Capability Payment amounts are set by the Commissioner, not the EA. Amounts for Jervis Bay, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands weren't found.

Exmouth or Pine Gap

$138,470

AFP-advertised total a year

Geraldton

$102,708

AFP-advertised total a year

Rapid Deployment

$10,000

a year, designated roles

The remote totals combine the PSO composite package with the Remote Defence Capability Payment ($45,000 a year at Exmouth and Pine Gap, $16,500 a year at Geraldton), the Remote Localities Allowance ($10,970 a year, or $3,708 a year at Geraldton) and the Use of Force allowance. Note that the AFP's remote page calls about $79,000 the "base", but that figure already includes the 22% composite. More on the role in our AFP Protective Service Officer guide.

Can you join the AFP? Eligibility and the selection process

Citizenship, a security clearance and a long process: plan for six to twelve months.

Who can apply (police, ACT Policing and PSO)

  • ✓ Age 18 or over, with no upper age limit (must pass health checks).
  • ✓ Australian citizen.
  • ✓ Valid Australian driver's licence (at least P plates).
  • ✓ Year 10 Certificate or higher.
  • ✓ Meet character standards (Employment Suitability Questionnaire and full traffic history).
  • ✓ Current first aid and CPR certificates.
  • ✓ Signed certificate of a 100m freestyle swim, untimed and unaided.
  • ✓ Mandatory drug testing in selection and regular testing throughout employment.

The AFP's health standards are among the most specific in Australia: a BMI under 33, set vision and hearing thresholds, and 12 months of mental-health stability without psychotropic medication or psychological treatment. Some conditions, such as unreconstructed ACL tears, epilepsy or bleeding disorders, are unlikely to meet the standard. Check the published standards before you invest months in the process.

  1. 1

    Sworn Officer eligibility tool

    Self-assessment against the entry requirements.

  2. 2

    Online application

    Submit a CV and choose role and location.

  3. 3

    Online testing (SHL)

    Deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, personality and calculation; 14 days to complete; maximum 3 attempts with 12 months between.

  4. 4

    Entry Physical Competency Assessment (EPCA)

    Plank, push-ups and beep test.

  5. 5

    Employment Suitability Questionnaire and traffic history

    Character and driving history checks.

  6. 6

    Health assessment

    Medical and psychological assessment by an external provider.

  7. 7

    Assessment centre (online)

    Group exercise, analysis task and a behavioural (STAR) interview.

  8. 8

    Security clearance and vetting

    At least 10 years of history reviewed, partner checked, fingerprints taken. An existing AGSVA clearance may speed this up.

  9. 9

    Merit pool and course offer

    Suitable candidates enter a merit pool for course offers. Steps may run at the same time or in a different order (the factsheet places fitness after the assessment centre). The AFP says the process takes 6-9 months on role pages and 'often up to 12 months' on the process page.

Security vetting reviews at least 10 years of your history, checks your partner and takes fingerprints; an existing AGSVA clearance may speed it up. The assessment centre is run online and includes a behavioural (STAR) interview, so practise structured answers. Our AFP interview guide and how to join the AFP cover each stage.

Free tool

Practise the AFP STAR interview

Answer behavioural questions by typing or out loud and get scored on situation, task, action and result, with fixes and a model answer.

Start a mock interview →

Online testing, the fitness assessment and health checks

SHL online testing

Online cognitive and fit tests: four components for police roles, three for PSO (per the factsheet; exact split by role not fully extracted). 14 days to complete; maximum 3 attempts, 12 months between attempts. Police roles cover deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, personality and calculation. Our AFP entrance exam guide explains each test and how to prepare.

Entry Physical Competency Assessment

Entry Physical Competency Assessment (EPCA)

Plank

Standard
60-second hold

Push-ups

Standard
15 (male) / 8 (female) within 60 seconds
Detail
Gender X assessed case by case.

Beep test

Standard
Level 6.5
Detail
One attempt, maximum 2 warnings.

Same EPCA for police and PSO applicants. A separate Physical Competency Assessment at the College (up to 3 times, including on entry and before graduation) requires a stage 4 sit-up, '15/30' push-ups and a 6.5 beep test; the PDF does not say which push-up figure applies to which gender.

Three tests, one attempt at the beep test: train for level 7, not 6.5, so a bad day doesn't end your application.

The AFP publishes a free pre-course fitness program, and our AFP fitness test page adds week-by-week targets. Because you can only attempt the online tests three times with 12 months between attempts, don't sit them until you've practised.

AFP College, pay while training and probation

26 weeks in Canberra, paid from day one, with your room and meals covered.

Police recruit pay

$69,698

Band 2.3, plus 15.4% super

Police course

26 weeks

Diploma of Policing

PSO course

15 weeks

Cert IV Protective Services

Training is at the AFP College in Barton, Canberra. One AFP page says PSOs may also train at Pinkenba in Brisbane, while the College page says there are no other training facilities, so confirm your location with your offer. Recruits get a free ensuite single room, main meals, a mobile phone and a laptop, and travel to and from the College is paid. Existing AFP employees keep their current pay point during training.

The 22% composite appears not to be paid during training, which is why College pay is well below the advertised package. After graduation the AFP pays travel home and relocation help for interstate moves (removalists, vehicle transport, pet relocation and a settling-in allowance), but you find and pay for your own housing.

New police stay at Band 2.4 for at least 12 months and until a supervisor who has supervised you for three months or more signs off the AFP workbook; then you move to Band 3.1. A formal probation period beyond this isn't stated. More detail is in our AFP College guide.

Experienced police, ADF members and First Nations pathways

The direct lateral routes are closed for now, but prior policing still counts.

Pathways for experienced and First Nations applicants

Skilled Police Program

Status and detail
Closed, with no date for the next intake. It required a policing diploma, 3+ years of Australian operational policing in the past 5, and NV1 or NV2.

ACT Lateral Recruit Program

Status and detail
Reported as 8 weeks' paid training in Canberra, entry up to Leading Senior Constable and relocation paid, but the page was unavailable and its register of interest says the position is filled. Treat as closed.

Prior policing experience in the EA

Status and detail
Counts towards the 9+ years needed to move to Band 5, and the Commissioner may set a higher starting pay point based on experience.

ADF members and veterans

Status and detail
Use the standard recruit process; a current NV1 may be recognised. Defence reservists get four weeks' paid reservist leave a year.

First Nations Pathway Program

Status and detail
12 months in Canberra from February in three non-policing rotations at Band 2.1, with a guaranteed job and relocation help. Requires NV1. Not a sworn pathway.

IPROWD (with NSW Police and TAFE NSW)

Status and detail
18 weeks full-time or 24 weeks flexible, preparing First Nations people from any state or territory to apply to the AFP or NSW Police.

UK and overseas officers

The AFP requires Australian citizenship, so overseas officers can't join until they're citizens, and then they'd use the standard recruit process. If you're a UK officer, state forces such as SAPOL recruit directly from the UK with visa support. See UK police officers moving to Australia.

For the national picture on Indigenous entry routes, read Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander police pathways.

Progression: moving through the bands

No sergeant's exam to climb the Constable broadband; barriers instead.

  1. 1

    Band 2.4 to 3.1 (soft barrier)

    Constable

    AFP workbook signed off plus 12 months.

  2. 2

    Annual increments

    Every year

    On your anniversary, if you have a current Performance Development Agreement and your last rating was 'fulfilled'. Can be delayed by underperformance, an adverse category 3 or corruption finding, or more than 30 days' leave without pay.

  3. 3

    Band 3.5 to 4.2 (firm barrier)

    Constable

    An assessed barrier; movement isn't subject to job availability.

  4. 4

    Band 4.5 to 5.2 (firm barrier)

    Senior constable level

    Since 1 July 2025, needs only 9+ years of policing experience, which can include other forces but not recruit time. Before that it was 12 years plus two designated areas or detective designation, or 15 years.

  5. 5

    Band 6.1 (Team Leader/Sergeant)

    Supervisor

    Entry only by merit selection, with a firm barrier from 6.3 to 7.2.

Every broadband move also needs current Use of Force certification. Acting at a higher band pays the difference after 10 consecutive days. Top of the Constable broadband (Band 5.3) is $111,861 base and entry to Team Leader/Sergeant (Band 6.1) is $111,861. More in AFP promotion and progression.

Leave, super, injury and retirement

15.4% super and no compulsory retirement age are two of the AFP's biggest advantages.

AFP leave entitlements

Annual leave

What the EA provides
228 hours (6 weeks) a year for Bands 1-8 and Technical Specialists; 190 hours (5 weeks) for Executive Level. Credited monthly. No extra shift-worker week. Can be cashed out up to 3 times a financial year (min 19 hours, keeping 152 hours); up to 152 hours a year can be purchased; half-pay option. Balances over 304 hours can trigger a direction to take 76 hours.

Personal/carer's leave

What the EA provides
Personal/carer's leave: 136 hours 48 minutes (18 days of 7h36m) a year. The full 18 days is credited on engagement, then accrues monthly after 12 months. Not paid out. Serious Illness Registry leave-donation scheme for non-compensable illness.

Parental leave

What the EA provides
Primary caregiver: 18 weeks paid (or 36 weeks at half pay) within a 24-month parental leave period, from day one. Secondary caregiver: 14 weeks paid from 1 Mar 2026, rising to 18 weeks from 28 Feb 2027 (was 8 weeks to 28 Feb 2025 and 11 weeks to 28 Feb 2026). Super is paid during paid parental leave.

Long service leave

What the EA provides
Under the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976; the careers page says paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous Australian Government service. Prior Commonwealth, state, territory, local government and ADF service can be recognised. Minimum 7 calendar days per grant.

Other

What the EA provides
Mandatory Rest Days: 4 a year (credited 1 March), plus 1 extra if 304+ hours of annual leave are used in a financial year; non-EL only; must be used within 12 months. Compassionate leave: 3 working days per occasion. Bereavement leave: 3 working days per occasion, plus possibly a further 5 working days. NAIDOC 3 days a financial year; First Nations ceremonial 6 days over 2 financial years; cultural/religious 3 days a financial year.

Secondary caregivers' paid parental leave rises from 14 to 18 weeks from 28 February 2027, matching primary caregivers. Full detail is on AFP leave.

Super

The AFP pays 15.4% of ordinary time earnings into PSSap (the default fund, run by CSC) or a fund of your choice, including during paid parental leave. Because the 22% Core Composite counts as super salary, a rostered officer's super is built on base plus composite. The High Volume composite, Critical Event Composite, Remote Localities Allowance and Rapid Deployment Allowance don't count. See AFP super.

Injury and retirement

Work injuries are covered by the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 through Comcare. The Commissioner can retire an employee for physical or mental incapacity, with or without consent, and a non-consensual retirement is reviewable; for CSS members below maximum retiring age and PSS or PSSap members under 60, invalidity retirement needs CSC certification. There's no compulsory retirement age in the current AFP Act, and the minimum retiring age is 55. More on AFP workers comp and medical retirement.

Workforce and recent news

A new Commissioner, a stretched ACT workforce and a bargaining round on the horizon.

The 2026-27 federal Budget lifts AFP resourcing from about $2.48bn to $2.66bn but average staffing only from 8,094 to 8,195, with Federal Policing staffing forecast to fall from 3,998 to 3,956 (AFPA). The 2023-24 ACT Budget gave $107m over five years for 126 extra police personnel, later lifted to 150. Canberra has 5 police stations.

AFP and ACT Policing timeline

25 August 2026

What happened
AFPA backs ACT CPO and members after Ombudsman report on Woden bus incident
Detail
The Ombudsman found no direct evidence of racial profiling and recommended ACT Policing stop using race as a proxy descriptor.

21 August 2026

What happened
AFPA: more responsibilities must come with more funding and fairer pay
Detail
AFP spent $523m on protection in 2024-25 (AFR). The 2026-27 Budget lifts AFP resourcing from about $2.48bn to $2.66bn, but average staffing only from 8,094 to 8,195 and Federal Policing staffing is forecast to fall from 3,998 to 3,956. AFPA wants the next EA to address pay, allowances, rostering, fatigue, overtime and retention.

23 June 2026

What happened
FWC finds AFP Consultative Committee not validly established
Detail
Commissioner Rogers found the committee was not established as EA cl 98(23)-(24) requires. AFPA welcomed the decision on 30 June 2026.

20 May 2026

What happened
ACT Budget funds planning for a new City Police Station and ACT Policing HQ
Detail
Initial $3.8 million in the 2026-27 ACT Budget, welcomed by AFPA.

20 December 2025

What happened
AFPA: ACT Policing about 300 sworn members short
Detail
ACT Policing had 1,037 staff (767 sworn) in June, with 49 sworn joining since. AFPA's Alex Caruana called Minister Paterson's 100-member commitment 'a third of what we need'.

9 December 2025

What happened
Second EA pay rise of 4.0%
Detail
The second-year rates are now current; for example, a Band 2.4 constable earns $72,317 base.

4 October 2025

What happened
Krissy Barrett starts as AFP Commissioner
Detail
Start of her five-year term.

4 August 2025

What happened
Krissy Barrett appointed AFP Commissioner
Detail
The Prime Minister announced Krissy Barrett APM as the ninth AFP Commissioner and the first woman in the role, for five years from 4 October 2025, succeeding Reece Kershaw.

1 July 2025

What happened
Band 5 threshold drops to 9 years; PSO broadband expands
Detail
EA provisions took effect: police move from 4.5 to 5.2 with 9+ years of policing experience, and the PSO broadband becomes Bands 2-5 plus Team Leader/Sergeant 6-7.

2 December 2024

What happened
FWC approves AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027
Detail
Deputy President Dean approved the EA, operative 9 Dec 2024, with increases of 4.5%, 4.0% and 2.7%. AFPA and CPSU are covered.

For overseas postings, which sit outside the enterprise agreement, see AFP overseas deployment.

Is the AFP a good place to work? The honest pros and cons

Works in your favour

  • ✓15.4% employer super, with the 22% composite counting towards it.
  • ✓Double time for all overtime, set by a published formula.
  • ✓Paid from day one at the College with free room and meals.
  • ✓Three distinct careers (federal investigations, Canberra community policing, protective services) and overseas opportunities.
  • ✓Progression through the Constable broadband by barriers, not competitive vacancies; Band 5 now needs 9 years.
  • ✓No compulsory retirement age and no upper age limit to join.

Watch out for

  • ✕Australian citizenship required, and vetting can stretch selection to 12 months.
  • ✕Base pay is modest until you add the composite, which isn't paid at the College or on non-rostered patterns.
  • ✕Lateral entry programs are closed, so experienced police mostly start as recruits.
  • ✕ACT Policing is short-staffed, according to the association.
  • ✕The current agreement expires in December 2027 and the next one hasn't been bargained.
  • ✕Interstate recruits must find and pay for their own housing after graduation.

Compare the AFP with SAPOL, Tasmania Police or NT Police. If you're buying in Canberra, read first home buying for AFP officers.

What we couldn't confirm (and who can)

Every open question on the AFP as at 9 October 2026.

Open questions as at 9 October 2026

Training length: the EA lists 19 weeks as a minimum at pay point 2.3, while the careers pages say 26 weeks. We use 26.

Who can confirm it
AFP Recruiting

Whether the 22% composite is paid at the College. We treat it as not paid.

Who can confirm it
AFP Recruiting

How bands map to rank titles such as Senior Constable, Leading Senior Constable and Sergeant. Our 'top of Constable' and 'top of Sergeant' figures are our mapping.

Who can confirm it
AFP Association (AFPA)

The security clearance level new recruits need (probably NV1).

Who can confirm it
AFP Recruiting

Remote Localities Allowance amounts for Jervis Bay, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and overseas deployment allowances.

Who can confirm it
AFP or AFPA

The Temporary Operational Composite percentage, and whether a language allowance exists.

Who can confirm it
AFPA

Whether the ACT Lateral Recruit Program will reopen, and on what pay point.

Who can confirm it
AFP Recruiting

Whether the AFP Regulations set any maximum retirement age (the Act sets none).

Who can confirm it
AFP Human Resources

The current ACT Chief Police Officer and the terms of the ACT Policing Purchase Agreement.

Who can confirm it
ACT Policing or the ACT Government

Which College push-up standard (15 or 30) applies to which gender, and whether PSOs may train at Pinkenba, Brisbane.

Who can confirm it
AFP College

CSS and PSS closure dates, and PSSap insurance cover amounts.

Who can confirm it
CSC

When bargaining for the next agreement (from December 2027) will start.

Who can confirm it
AFPA
Joining AFP Recruiting Clearance level, current priorities and lateral programs. Pay AFP Association Bargaining for the next EA, allowances and ACT staffing. Agreement AFP Enterprise Agreement The full agreement: pay tables, composites and leave.

Free email alerts

Everything changing at the AFP: pay, intakes and rules

The 2.7% rise in December 2026, bargaining for the next enterprise agreement, new PSO and ACT recruiting priorities and allowance changes, emailed when they happen.

  • ✓A reminder before each pay rise and allowance change
  • ✓Updates as bargaining for the 2027 agreement starts
  • ✓Changes to recruiting priorities and lateral programs

Sent by Police Pay Australia when there's news. Unsubscribe any time. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an AFP officer earn?

From 9 December 2025 a new constable (Band 2.4) earns $72,317 base. The AFP advertises $91,726.74, which adds the 22% Core Composite and the $3,500 Use of Force allowance. The Constable broadband runs to $111,861 base at Band 5.3, and the Team Leader/Sergeant broadband to $132,185 at Band 7.3, before composite.

Is ACT Policing pay different from AFP pay?

No. ACT Policing officers are AFP employees on the same enterprise agreement, the same bands and the same allowances. A new constable in Canberra gets the same $91,726.74 package as a national police officer. ACT Policing provides community policing under a purchase agreement between the AFP and the ACT Government.

How long is AFP College training?

Police recruits, national and ACT, train for 26 weeks at the AFP College in Barton, Canberra, with the chance to earn a Diploma of Policing. Protective Service Officers train for 15 weeks and gain a Certificate IV in Protective Services. Recruits are paid from day one and get free accommodation and main meals.

What is the AFP fitness test?

The Entry Physical Competency Assessment has three parts: a 60-second plank, push-ups (15 for men, 8 for women, within 60 seconds) and the beep test to level 6.5, with one attempt and a maximum of two warnings. Police and PSO applicants do the same test, and there are further fitness checks at the College.

Do you need to be an Australian citizen to join the AFP?

Yes. The AFP requires Australian citizenship for police and PSO roles, unlike some state forces that accept permanent residents. You also need to pass security vetting that reviews at least 10 years of your history, so time spent overseas can slow the process.

Is there an age limit for the AFP?

You must be 18 or over, and there's no upper age limit as long as you meet the health standards. There's also no compulsory retirement age in the current AFP Act: employees can retire at any time after the minimum retiring age of 55.

How long does AFP recruitment take?

The AFP says the process can be as quick as six months but often takes up to nine, and its process page says it's 'often up to 12 months'. Security vetting is usually the slowest stage. Suitable candidates go into a merit pool and receive course offers as places open.

What do AFP Protective Service Officers earn?

PSOs start at Band 2.1 on $64,754 base, advertised as $82,499.88 with the 22% composite and Use of Force allowance. At remote Defence sites the AFP advertises $138,470 a year at Exmouth and Pine Gap, including a $45,000 Remote Defence Capability Payment, and $102,708 at Geraldton.

Evidence

Sources and how we checked them

Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.

  1. Australian Federal Police Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 (FWC AE526995, [2024] FWCA 4231) — read 9 October 2026
  2. AFP: Enterprise agreements (salary tables) — read 9 October 2026
  3. AFP: Leave, pay and benefits — read 9 October 2026
  4. AFP: Application process — read 9 October 2026
  5. AFP: New recruits pathway — read 9 October 2026
  6. AFP College — read 9 October 2026
  7. AFP: Police officer - national policing — read 9 October 2026
  8. AFP: Police officer - ACT Policing — read 9 October 2026
  9. AFP: Protective service officer — read 9 October 2026
  10. AFP: PSO remote locations — read 9 October 2026
  11. AFP Recruitment Health Assessment Standards (PDF, Jan 2026) — read 9 October 2026
  12. AFP Pre-course Fitness Program (PDF, Dec 2023) — read 9 October 2026
  13. AFP Recruitment process factsheet (PDF) — read 9 October 2026
  14. AFP Online testing for new recruits (PDF) — read 9 October 2026
  15. AFP: Eligibility — read 9 October 2026
  16. AFP: First Nations pathways — read 9 October 2026
  17. AFP: Skilled police program — read 9 October 2026
  18. AFP: Defence force transition — read 9 October 2026
  19. AFP: Police lateral recruit program - ACT Policing (as summarised; official page not directly accessible) — read 9 October 2026
  20. AFP Recruit job ad, Canberra ACT (careers.afp.gov.au) — read 9 October 2026
  21. Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (compilation 8 Nov 2025) — read 9 October 2026
  22. AFPA membership subscriptions (pay table effective from 9 Dec 2025) — read 9 October 2026
  23. Prime Minister media release: Appointment of AFP Commissioner (4 Aug 2025) — read 9 October 2026
  24. CSC: APS members (as summarised; official page not directly accessible) — read 9 October 2026
  25. Canberra Times, 20 Dec 2025: Even with boost, AFP still 'immensely' short-staffed, union says — read 9 October 2026
  26. Amendment to ACT Policing Purchase Agreement 2022-2026, June 2026 (title only; document not directly accessible) — read 9 October 2026
  27. ACT Budget 2025-26: investment in ACT Policing (as summarised; official page not directly accessible) — read 9 October 2026
  28. AFPA: welcomes investment in police and emergency services across ACT Budget (May 2026) — read 9 October 2026
  29. AFPA: welcomes FWC decision on AFP consultation obligations (30 Jun 2026) — read 9 October 2026
  30. AFPA: More responsibilities must come with more funding and fairer pay for the AFP (21 Aug 2026) — read 9 October 2026
  31. AFPA: backs ACT Chief Police Officer and members following Ombudsman report (25 Aug 2026) — read 9 October 2026
  32. Region Canberra: Scott Lee confirmed as ACT Policing's new Chief Police Officer (2024) — read 9 October 2026

Related guides

AFP salary 2026 → Every band and pay point, with composite and packages. How to join the AFP → Police, ACT Policing and PSO selection, step by step. Police take-home pay calculator → AFP pay after tax with the composite and 15.4% super. AFP Protective Service Officer → What PSOs do, where they work and how to join.

Forces

More in this series

Force profiles NSW Police Force: the independent guide Pay, the ADAP and Goulburn, fitness, remote incentives, promotion, EPSS and super for NSW Police. Force profiles Victoria Police: the independent guide Pay and allowances, the entrance exam, 25-week academy, ESSS defined benefit super and PSOs. Force profiles Queensland Police Service: the independent guide Pay with the 21% OSA, 18% super, double-time overtime, PACE for experienced police and rural incentives. Force profiles WA Police Force: the independent guide Pay, flat shift allowances, the 28-week Joondalup academy, UK and NZ transition and regional housing. Force profiles South Australia Police (SAPOL) Pay, loadings, country incentives, recruiting, the transition program for UK and interstate officers, and the proposed new EA. Force profiles Tasmania Police Award pay to 2027, the 28% shift allowance, 37% country stations, the fitness test, the 28-week academy and accelerated entry. Force profiles Northern Territory Police The 5/4/3/3 deal, 23% consolidated allowance, housing allowance, remote incentives, ACPO and PPSO pathways and accelerated entry. Hub Every Australian police force compared Pay, fitness, academy, super and retirement age for all eight forces, and how to choose between them.
See every forces guide →

General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.