7am The AFP's failure to investigate itself
Jul 22, 2025
Karen Middleton, a seasoned journalist covering allegations within the Australian Federal Police, exposes serious issues of accountability in the agency. She discusses a recent Commonwealth Ombudsman report revealing the AFP's failure to investigate its own internal complaints, including serious allegations of corruption and misconduct. Middleton highlights the culture of dismissiveness that leads to systemic issues, urging the need for independent oversight to restore trust in the agency's integrity.
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AFP Overuses Complaint Dismissals
- The AFP has dramatically increased its dismissal of complaints using discretionary power since centralising complaints handling.
- The dismissal rate rose from 32% to 85%, which the Ombudsman called unreasonable and unfair in most cases reviewed.
Police Vehicle Misuse Case
- AFP officers widely misused police vehicles, with poor understanding of clear usage guidelines.
- The Ombudsman recommended this misuse be examined by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Dismissed Serious Misconduct Cases
- One sexual misconduct allegation was dismissed based on incomplete body cam footage and no complainant interviews.
- Another complaint about improper firearm use was dismissed despite concerns for workplace safety.