Government investment in AFP to protect Victorians from gang crime

The Turnbull Government is throwing the full might of the Australian Federal Police’s forensic and intelligence capabilities behind efforts to stop gang-related violence in Victoria.

Victorians, like all Australians, deserve to feel safe to go about their daily lives without fear or intimidation. Plainly, the status quo is not enough.

These street gangs and criminals rely heavily on the illegal drug trade to make a profit, with no regard for the pain and damage they leave in their wake.

To crack down on these violent gangs, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will now provide Victoria Police with additional assistance in the fight against street crime.

This is part of the Coalition Government’s additional $321.4 million investment in the AFP that we announced in this year’s Budget, the largest single funding increase for the AFP’s domestic policing capabilities in more than a decade.

This funding will unlock greater access for Victoria Police to the AFP’s world-leading forensic, intelligence and high-tech crime fighting capabilities and expertise.

Together, Victoria Police and the AFP will be able to identify, catch and prosecute these violent criminals faster than ever before.  It includes measures such as:

• A dedicated AFP out-posted intelligence officer to support Victorian anti-gang investigations;
• Advanced forensic examination capabilities and criminal intelligence mapping to support investigations; and
• Direct access to the AFP’s National Forensic Rapid Lab to fast-track evidence collection and analysis to better target criminal gangs.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, and Justice Minister The Hon Michael Keenan made the announcement during a visit to AFP headquarters in Melbourne.

This will work hand-in-hand with the multi-agency National Anti-Gangs Squad, which received $3 million in additional Federal funding last year to allow them to continue their work until June 2019.

This investment will assist police to track down and arrest violent offenders and disrupt their criminal behaviour.

The Coalition Government will not waver in the fight to protect our nation and our way of life.