COVID-19 Inquiry: Police Association Advocates for a National Guard for Future Pandemics

The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has asserted that establishing a national guard during a future pandemic “has merit.”

In a submission to the Federal government’s COVID-19 inquiry, the AFPA suggested that the National Guard could assist with law enforcement and managing borders, alleviating pressure on police.

This recommendation comes as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed to the inquiry that officers felt the burden of extra workload during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AFPA, which represents members of the AFP, ACT Policing, and other federal law enforcement officials, agrees with a proposal from Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie for a National Guard.

“In recent times, Senator Jacqui Lambie has proposed the establishment of an Australian ”National Guard“ to supplement existing police and Australian Defence Force (ADF) resources during extraordinary situations such as pandemics or natural disasters,” the AFPA said (pdf).

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