AFP Commissioner's Foreword
I am pleased to present the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024 (RAP), affirming our continued commitment to reconciliation in Australia. The RAP details two clear priorities for the AFP as we progress our reconciliation journey.
- Ongoing workforce support for appointees in their reconciliation journey and recognition of the unique and valuable contributions made by our First Nations members.
- Increased positive community engagement with enhanced delivery of culturally competent policing to First Nations people and communities.
As Australia’s national policing agency, the footprints of our members walk alongside First Nations people and are spread across many Traditional Countries, and beyond. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians who safeguard the longest surviving culture in the world, and we pay our respects to their Elders; past, present, and emerging.
We acknowledge law enforcement’s history in delivering agendas which have caused pain and inflicted trauma for many First Nations people. In the spirit of reconciliation, we commit to truth telling and courageous conversations, to learn from our shared history, and dedicate ourselves to a better future for all Australians. It is incumbent on us all to apply a concerted effort to rectify past and current injustices, participating in the RAP program is just one way of walking a positive journey of reconciliation with our First Nations people.
As a personal commitment, I have established the AFP’s First Nations Unit to support full and unhindered First Nations participation in our workforce, and to inform the provision of culturally competent policing services to the Australian community. Through the Unit, we will ensure that First Nations voices are represented amongst the decision makers, contributing to better outcomes for all First Nations people and communities. I acknowledge the Unit’s contribution to the development of this RAP.
I strongly encourage all AFP appointees to actively participate in delivering the intended goals of the AFP’s new Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024.
Reece P Kershaw APM
AFP Commissioner