Diversity and inclusion

Welcoming people with disability

People with disability are valued employees. We want everyone to reach their full potential and take part in all aspects of work and community life.

AFP All-Abilities Network

By supporting employees with disability and their carers, the AFP All-Abilities Network supports the AFP in creating an inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees. It's a network that gives employees a safe place to talk about their disability, share experiences and get support. It helps teach others, raise awareness, guide policy and promote inclusive changes so the AFP can better support people with disabilities.

Neurodiversity

The AFP strives to identify opportunities to recruit and retain highly skilled and innovative neurodivergent staff.

We partnered with the DXC Dandelion Program in 2023 and the Untapped Genius Armoury Program in 2024 to support 10 neurodivergent trainees. At the end of these programs, all 10 trainees were offered full-time positions with the AFP.

We're training our leaders to maximise the talents of our neurodivergent staff. We'll continue to build recruitment pathways and a welcoming environment for neurodivergent people.

Welcoming First Nations people

First Nations representation is critical to our ongoing success. It ensures we reflect and represent the communities we serve. This enhances the AFP’s approach to policing and problem-solving, drawing from unique experiences and perspectives of First Nations people.

The Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy includes practical initiatives that align with workforce representation targets.

Our First Nations Unit

The First Nations Unit oversees our First Nations agenda:

• partnering with AFP business areas to deliver projects and initiatives that ensure improved First Nations outcomes
• developing strategies, governance and policy to ensure AFP maintains a people-centred approach whilst actively contributing to Australian Government targets.

AFP Naragunawali Board

Naragunawali comes from a Ngunnawal word meaning to come together.

The board includes First Nations employees and our Senior Executive who:

• support the AFP as a leader in law enforcement regarding improved First Nations outcomes
• aim to make the AFP an employer of choice for First Nations people and allies through leading employment practices
• support our First Nations strategic agenda and inclusion initiatives
• help us maintain a culture that encourages improved First Nations outcomes.

First Nations employee network

Malunggang is the Ngunnawal word for platypus.

The Malunggang Indigenous Officer Network (MION) brings First Nations employees together to share their experiences within the AFP. It also advises the Senior Executive and First Nations Unit.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) supports reconciliation and helps us improve outcomes for First Nations people. The RAP Working Group governs and drives implementation across the agency.

Recruitment pathways

We also offer 2 programs specifically for First Nations people.

First Nations Pathway Program supports employment opportunities for First Nations peoples. The structured 12-month program offers experience in various roles, professional development and mentoring.

Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) Program offers training, mentoring and advice through TAFE NSW. It gives participants the skills and knowledge to apply for a position with the AFP.

As an AFP employee, you'll be championing diversity and inclusion.

Cultural and language diversity

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network (CALD) supports employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

At the AFP, we proudly serve and reflect Australia’s vibrant cultural diversity. We recognise the immense value that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds bring to our organisation and the communities we serve.

Our staff speak over 60 languages, including Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

Your voice matters. We are committed to listening, learning and evolving. Whether you’re bilingual, multilingual, a first-generation migrant or part of a culturally diverse community, your experience and voice are valued at the AFP.

We're committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to thrive – regardless of their cultural, ethnic or linguistic background.

Gender equity and inclusion

We’re breaking down potential barriers for women, men and gender diverse staff in the AFP.

Action plan

Our Gender Equity Action Plan 2024–2027 marks the AFP’s first dedicated 3-year roadmap to promoting and improving gender equity in our workforce.

Significant changes to our employment frameworks since releasing the plan include:

• setting a target to have 30% women in our sworn cohort by 2028
• increasing the number of weeks of paid parental leave to 18 weeks
• offering men and secondary carers the opportunity to take more parental leave, too.

Gender pay gap

We’re taking steps to track and benchmark our progress on gender equality, and reduce the opportunity gaps for men, women and all genders. As an early adopter, we've shared our gender pay gap data every year since 2022.

We report our workforce data and policies to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. 

You can also read our Employer Statement, which outlines our actions to improve workplace gender equity.

Mentoring women

AFP is the 2024–2025 Chair and Secretariat for the Women in Law Enforcement Strategy (WILES) Mentoring Program. We’re dedicated to helping women navigate their careers and leadership pathways in historically male-dominated workplaces across the Australian Government.

National Women's Advisory Network

The National Women's Advisory Network (NWAN) is an open and supportive community for all employees. The network aims to:

• provide mentoring and networking opportunities within policing
• support, educate and uplift women in the AFP.

We also support the Australasian Council of Women and Policing. The council improves opportunities and outcomes for women in policing at a global level.

Pride Network

Our LGBTQIA+ networks support our employees and help strengthen our relationships with the community. We're committed to fostering a workplace that is inclusive, respectful and safe for people of all sexualities, gender identities and expressions.

The Pride Network supports and advocates for employees who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our workforce, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other LGBTQIA+ communities. We believe that everyone should feel free to be themselves at work – without exception.

We're re-invigorating our LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer network through the Pride Network, offering support to members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. We currently have Bronze-tier employer status provided by the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). And we're striving to continuously improve by tracking our progress in national LGBTQIA+ benchmarking.

Whether you’re out, questioning or an ally – there is a place for you at the AFP. We proudly stand with LGBTQIA+ communities as we build a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Celebrating diversity

At the AFP, we don’t just value diversity – we actively celebrate it. Through events, campaigns and cultural activities, we create meaningful opportunities for connection, learning and reflection across our workplace.

Our diversity calendar recognises and honours the many communities, cultures and identities that make up our workforce and the broader Australian community. These events foster understanding, build stronger teams, and reinforce our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

AFP celebrates many days of recognition across the layers of our people's identities, including:

• International Women’s Day
• International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
• International Day of People With Disability
• Harmony Day (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination)
• National Reconciliation Week
• NAIDOC Week
• Neurodiversity Week
• R U OK? Day
• World Autism Day.

Our events reflect our core values, and they are an opportunity for all staff to connect across differences and celebrate what makes us stronger together.