James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

It is incorrect that staffing numbers have reduced in the AFP. This government has for three budgets in a row forecast a steady average staffing level for the AFP between 6,200 and 6,300. Following our successes in stopping the boats and peacekeeping missions in Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, fewer staffing resources are required for these functions, allowing them to be redirected to other priorities. The government has also invested $164 million in new money since the 2015-16 MYEFO in several priority areas, including resources for the AFP to enhance the protection of its staff, the new cyber strategy and the expansion of fraud and anticorruption operational capacity. This demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the AFP and its operational responsibilities.