Is the AFP understaffed?

AFP Struggles with Critical Staff Shortages

Despite its high-profile role in national security and law enforcement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is grappling with a deepening staffing crisis in some of its most vital units. As of late November 2025, the situation has reached a critical point, with ongoing shortages in highly specialized fields that are essential to public safety.

Cybercrime, child exploitation, counter-terrorism, forensics, and personal protection teams are all facing significant shortfalls, according to internal assessments. These aren’t just support roles—they’re the backbone of the AFP’s ability to respond to modern threats. With cybercrime surging and digital evidence becoming central to nearly every major investigation, the lack of trained cyber investigators is particularly alarming. Forensics examiners, often overworked and under-resourced, face growing backlogs, delaying justice for victims and slowing down prosecutions.

Child exploitation units, tasked with some of the most sensitive and urgent investigations, are stretched thin at a time when online abuse material is proliferating faster than ever. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism efforts—still a top priority in a volatile global climate—depend on skilled personnel who are increasingly difficult to recruit and retain. Close personal protection details, responsible for safeguarding high-risk individuals, are also feeling the strain, raising concerns about operational readiness.

The issue isn’t new, but the worsening nature of the shortages suggests systemic challenges in recruitment, training, and retention. Budget constraints, competition with private sector salaries, and the intense nature of the work all contribute to the problem.

Without urgent investment and strategic planning, the AFP’s ability to protect Australians could be compromised. These specialist roles aren’t interchangeable—they require years of training and deep expertise. Filling the gaps won’t be easy, but it’s essential if the force is to keep pace with evolving threats in an increasingly complex world.