Another good post Bruce.

Politicians and the public rightly fear Commissioner Keelty. He’s scary. He announces and probably organises his own policy directions, while seeking hardline censorship for "terrorism cases".

He has been boss of the AFP longer than Rudd has been in the national eye. Aussie Drug Mules flick-passed to Death Row in Bali appear to be only a fleeting concern for him and Rudd.

Like a long serving federal policemen of another country (J. Edgar Hoover) Keelty probably has incriminating dirt on every politician - by virtue of B-party wiretaps I suggest.

If ever the current Canberra politicians make the mistake of creating a Department of Homeland Security (a bigger Empire) I'm confident these Pollies will promote Keelty to the job.

Pete

Unfettered power in the hands of this group is a danger in itself. Are they the 'new terrorism'? The unaccountability factor is frightening and I have been a little surprised that Rudd does not seem to have it on his agenda. Why not? Could Plantagenent have been right and 'something on every politician' be correct? I can't see why not. Every one has a skeleton or two dangling in the cupboard. But how does a private skeleton match up to public security? There are ways of dealing with it. I am told.
Good article, Bruce. There needs to be more questions asked.

I agree with much of what you say in your article Bruce.

I might add that there is much overlap between the AFP and other national agenices in the areas of counter-terrorism policy, planning, education and training, emergency managment, dissemination of information and policy surrounding critical infrastructure. A situation which has contributed to empire building opportunities by various public servants in a number of areas and raises the potential for the 'creative' use of funding deployed for these various purposes.

While its not a popular, a Department of Homeland Security may not be such a bad idea. It might work to bring together a number of duplicated functions which is evident in the whole-of-government approach to counter-terrorism/national security and allow greater scrutiny, which is difficult in the present arrangements because of the spread of responsibility and jurisdictional hindrances and considerations. In short, it is an unwieldy beast.

One large department (rather than lots of smaller ones including the various national security style Divisions within larger departments) would hopefully prevent some of the inter-jurisdictional in-fighting and competition which would allow a greater flow and sharing of critical information.

This website gives you some idea of the number of players involved:

http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/

Great Article Bruce, the democracy that four generations of my family including myself have fought for in this country, is now in danger of being replaced by a terrorist under the bed campaign run by an un-elected upstart copper operating out of Canberra.

With the millions spent on Intelligence work in Asia through ASIO and the Federal police, Bali and the rise of the muslim terroists group in Indonesia was somehow over looked resulting in tragic circumstances for the 88.

The AFT has proven to be incompetent and were it not for the public giving the AFT information on terror suspects, these people couldn't find a single terrorst in Saudi Arabia under the bed.

Nice article Bruce.

Any chance on getting a piece written on where the responsibilities of the AFP, ASIO, ASIS and DFAT overlap?
I imagine there's a few interesting revelations to be had there. Heck, I suspect plenty of people aren't even aware ASIS exists.

Oh, and I suppose the roles of the ADF would need to be considered in such an analysis as well.

Bruce, you are a man after my own heart. I suggest you check out the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity. This body was established by the Howard Government in 2006 - see www.aclei.gov.au -it has the powers of a Royal Commission to look into all aspects of Federal Law Enforcement corruption. After over a decade of lobbying by myself and many others we were able to force the introduction of an external oversight body for the AFP and others - the ACLEI, however our celebrations were short lived. Unfortunately the funding allocated to this much needed fledgeling organisation was so inadequate it took the Attorney General nearly 12 months to find a suitably qualified Intergrity Commissioner prepared to work for almost nothing (compared to the current professions remuneration levels in the private sector). Then they had to employ senior investigators and coordinators - well these poor devils were expected to take on the might and entrenched administrative and other corruption at the Federal Law Enforcement with wage packages that were less that a Sergeant/Team Leader in the AFP - and they had to move to Canberra to do it. Needless to say there hasn't been a public peep out of this newly formed body...

Please keep advocating for accountability, particularly accountability in the AFP. I once hoped to form a survivors of the AFP organisation - they will destroy there own members to save their public face and their mates. You might want to check out an old Commonwealth Ombudsman's report from 1997 - http://www.comb.gov.au/commonwealth/publish.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/reports_1997_afp.pdf/$FILE/AFP_report.pdf

It is very heartening to see these issues finally being discussed in public...hopefully the Haneef Judicial Inquiry will be the catalyst for a full, public, Royal Commission into the AFP. (Note not another Claytons inquiry like the Harrison Inquiry - on which, for the trivia files, Mick Keelty was the Senior/Chief Investigator).

An interesting and troubling article, but first a recent book gives some information on the roles of the many and varied security/intelligence groups. It is “Plunging Point” by Lance Collins and Warren Reed 2005 Fourth Estate an imprint of HarperCollins publishers.

Spin and hype have become the current manner of doing things bringing us the war on terror, whatever that is, other than something good for those wanting a standard to wave, empires to build and headlines in the press.
Part of this has been well summed up in the saying of Herman Goering, people don’t want war, the Gov finds a fearful issue hypes it with media help and proclaims all disagreeing are idiots if not traitors. Good for those who would rule poor for democracy, i.e. the ruled!

It would seem from this article that the AFP is well and truly mixing policing, intelligence and confrontational posturing, even perhaps potentailly a Himml;er style organisation in a democracy. Yet remember much of the criticism to a war like response to the previously unexperienced terror, on themselves though much accustomed to dealing it out. Europe of course is accustomed to both and has been for a long time.
The inappropriateness of army style approach to an issue demanding intelligence subtlety and the skills of criminal investigation and apprehension of culprits. Granted the definition of terrorism like international justice tend to be in favour of those who command. I.E. we are not terrorist everyone else is! Thus Saddam’s neck was stretched but allied terrorists escaped in WW2 and subsequently.

Note that the call was for activity by policing not paramilitary. Thus there surely needs to be some rationalisation of what task belongs to which group, granted that some means of ensuring co operation and sharing of information between groups rather than competition, sulks and status building denying information to others.
Did this not happen in America or was that part of the smoke screen?

It seems to me that many real questions are raised by this gentleman may he write more-soon.

TRTL

Not only the AFP, ASIO, ASIS and DFAT but as you say parts of DEF including DSD, DIGO, DIO and national security divisions housed in other departments such as AGD (see www.ag.gov.au) and ONA.

Problem with some of these agencies is that the complaints mechanisms are often narrow and encourage suppression of information particularly when personnel are bound by the obligations of a security clearance or the Crimes Act. Many public servants often feel they have nowhere to go should they witness or become aware of corruption or any other illegal activity whether it be of a minor or major nature. The police services are probably the best example of where whistle blowers are hounded and discredited but I am sure it happens in other agencies eg. Andrew Wilkie (ONA) and others in the Defence Forces who have spoken out about Iraq and East Timor.

IGIS (www.igis.gov.au) only provide recourse for complaints about ASIO, ASIS, DIGO and DSD. It is one of the few agencies where even highly sensitive information can be relayed without fear of prosecution. However, other agencies are not covered by IGIS jursidiction and internal reporting or whistle blowing is not viewed favourably within government.

ILMC

Very interesting post. ACLEI does not have a high profile and I can see from the www.gold.gov.au website that it is linked with the parliamentary committee system. Maybe the Rudd government will give it a higher profile and funding to establish ACLEI as a truly independent overseer.

Damn. Politicians and policemen are scary these days!
If these bastrds start doing a CIA and turning crimminal for "national interest", and are backed by politicians because they are too scared...time to emmigrate.
God the last 10 years are a shame. US sickness industry, US "management", US insurance costs (911 made local fetes expensive!), US divisive education, now US "security".
God help us from Authority!

Excellent points Bruce.
Apart from the dubious nature of the AFP paramilitary role, I think that we should be equally concerned about the Praetorian Guard function it performed during the Howard years of hunting down dissenters, whistleblowers and contrarians in the civil service.
WHat chance that role will diminish under the new Government? I'm not holding my breath.

Hi amphibious

Rudd has stated he is striving for a more honest, accoutable and transparent government but the proof will be in the actions not the words. It is easy for politicians to be critical and make grand declarations in Opposition now that Labor is in power we will soon see if they are true to their promises.

One wonders if the AFP are just as vigilant with politicians' travel rorts as with the silencing of dissenters within the public service.

Good Morning Pelican,

I understand that the AFP may even be aware of who visits which establishment at Fyshwick and when and what they do.

There are some who share your concern - taking on the AFP means taking on a monster that know's many (probably not all - they're not that good) secrets of all Federal Governments since at least 1979.

I once was told of a Post Grad HR Student, who was a member of the AFP, completed a thesis on the management structure of the AFP (this wasn't too long ago). What this thesis apparently detailed was the origins of the members of the management team. Somewhere around 90% on the team were former ACT Community Police, and of those somewhere around 85% were former Detectives at the Woden CIB (not far from Fyshwick ironically...). The source of this information was someone who under the Admiralty Scale would have been rated an A1. Alas, I can't substantiate these claims - but with the little knowledge I do have of the current management team - the claims are highly probable.

I think the ALP might be on to something with the AFP. When the Howard Government introduced the legislation for the ACLEI it didn't make provision for the behaviour of the Commissioner, only those who worked with him. This to my knowledge, has been rectified. Now poor Mick is accountable too - oh when ACLEI actually gets a budget to enable it to do its job.

Hello I Love My Country

From my understanding, ComCar drivers know more dirt on the pollies than anyone else in Canberra. Some of the stories would make your hair curl particularly harking back to the 80s. :)

It is not altogether surprising that senior officers of the AFP come from the ranks of ACT Community Policing. They are very closely linked and the career pathways allow for cross training/promotion both Federally and from the States. Much of the AFP central policy, international liaison, counter-terrorism is managed and directed from Canberra.

I should add that there are many good police and I respect the work that they do - not an easy job. It makes it harder for police if the system they work within does not support honesty and integrity and works against measures that might assist in deterring and exposing corruption.

I should add that not all allegations of corruption are valid, there are often vexations and mischevious allegations but if the reporting mechanisms are working well and the avenues of complaint investigation are clear and transparent, it would serve to uncover the truth whatever that might be. While these lines are not clear corruption may go unreported.

Pelican,

I agree re the issue of no all allegations of corruption being accurate - however with the AFP we have never had a public opportunity to test any allegations that have been made in relation to the organisation or its' members.

The structure of the AFP is such that the ACT Policing function is in fact a 'Region' of the AFP, the remainder of the country is split into regional offices. The work done in the areas outside the 'ACT Region' is vastly different to that within the ACT. The argument made by many inside the organisation, quite vehemently, is that many of these 'ACT Police' members have reached the pinnacle of the organisation without any exposure to or knowledge of the work done in the rest of the organisation. The morale within the regions is often very low because the opportunities for promotion are taken by people from the ACT. ie never worked outside ACT and suddenly promoted to run a Region.

I am acutely aware of the number of 'good' people within the organisation - I am also acutely aware of the struggle they face to operate within it.

I believe that the premise of the article was the nature of the AFP's 'empire building' and how that has extended way beyond it's charter. This phenomena is only a reflection of the way the organisation is managed domestically. It also reflects the attitude of the management to the members of the organisation. If you think we can be frightened by their activities - imagine working for them and not agreeing with the direction.

Comcar drivers are a treat - and a good source of intelligence for Special Branch (yes the still operate - under a different name - thanks to the Wood Royal Commission - there was a mad rush by all Law Enforcement Bodies to change the name Special Branch to Security Intelligence).

I Love My Country

"The structure of the AFP is such that the ACT Policing function is in fact a 'Region' of the AFP, the remainder of the country is split into regional offices. The work done in the areas outside the 'ACT Region' is vastly different to that within the ACT. The argument made by many inside the organisation, quite vehemently, is that many of these 'ACT Police' members have reached the pinnacle of the organisation without any exposure to or knowledge of the work done in the rest of the organisation. The morale within the regions is often very low because the opportunities for promotion are taken by people from the ACT. ie never worked outside ACT and suddenly promoted to run a Region. "

I agree with what you say and I have heard these sentiments expressed before. I was previously employed in a role (working with many ex-police) and liasing with State and Federal police and I understand some of the issues involved.

Like you, I have great respect for the work of police and this is why I believe governments should work to their utmost to protect police and allow them to get on with the job of protecting us.

Exactly - the only way to ensure that we protect and support our police is to support open accountability within policing organisations.

By creating a mechanism that is responsible for oversighting, and acting upon, incidents of inappropriate or criminal behaviour a huge burden is removed from those decent souls in the policing profession. May of these people are aware of the cultural problems - if not actual instances of inappropriate behaviour/corruption - but have nowhere safe to take their concerns. They either bury the head in the sand or leave the organisation- this shouldn't be happening.

For some reason - and we have alluded to a couple of possibilities - the AFP and Federal Law Enforcement generally (ATO, Customs, Immigration, Centrelink, AFMA, TGA etc all have investigative capacities) have not had access to an independent external oversight body with a legislative platform until 2006 with the creation of ACLEI. The ACLEI site actually has copies of the relevant legislation - if anyone is interested in reading it. I have read these - they are straight forward and powerful. Perhaps we could all do our bit to raise the ACLEI profile and lobby for an appropriately sized budget for its' operation.

Good idea ILMC. How do you suggest we lobby?
Bruce Haigh

G'day Bruce,

I have a million ideas - all obviously within the budget of a fiscally tight environment - fiscal policy with which I have extensive experience.

Okay - first port of call - are all the Uni's who deliver both Law and Justice programs teaching the ACLEI legislation? This would be a good starting point - incorporating the legislation into curriculum.

Second - has anyone within the academic realm considered Philip Moss - the Integrity Commissioner - as a guest speaker/lecturer?

Third - all Australian Civil Libertarian Groups need to be made aware not only of the organisations existence, but also the Legislation which supports it.

Fourth - all organisations at the State and Federal Level that have an integrity/internal investigation capacity need to be aware of the organisation and also the legislation.

Fifth - all Police Unions, Corrective Service Unions, Public Service Unions et al need to be made aware of the body.

Now - Bar Associations nationally, law journals etc etc - education through these networks.

Obviously starting with awareness within the 'justice community' is probably the most effective and 'cheap' option and including the new organisation and legislation into curriculum ASAP.

To educate the public would be an expensive process - unless you know someone with a bucket load of money prepared to fund a media advertising campaign.

Targeting existing stakeholder networks is probably the easiest...once awareness is raised within the justice community then there will be the capacity to harness them as an effective powerful lobby group. Any case made for adequate funding by the Federal Government of the ACLEI by such a lobby group will have a high probability of success.

Where to next Bruce?

Sounds sensible ILMC, but as you say could be expensive. What about putting Debus in the loop, together with ACT govt. and Canberra Times (article would need to be written for them). Also ABC RN The Law Report, could send them a copy of the CT article.
All the best
Bruce

Greetings again...Bruce,

Well the Canberra Times isn't known for its objectivity when it comes to the AFP. The only time they became savage it was aimed at one of the truly beautiful souls in Federal Law Enforcement - Audrey Fagan - may the gorgeous petal rest in peace. However if you have faith in them perhaps this is a plausible option.

I think journalists like Hedley Thomas of The Australian, John Kidman of the Sydney Morning Herald and Ross Coulthard - the Sunday Program - are all well versed in issues surrounding Federal Law Enforcement weakenesses. They would all be open to an objective story...

Now I must admit to having little experience with ABC RN - I was interviewed once a few years back - but that was in relation to community development projects I had been involved in. If you think this is a viable option - then I believe you.

Debus and also John Faulkner...I would think.

So who will write the article?

I understand you know Dr Kennedy from UWS - he certainly has an opinion or two about the AFP! And has written several 'opinion' pieces for the SMH... maybe a collaboration? Dr Kennedy knows how to contact me - if you would like my assistance to write...assuming you're interested in moving the issue forward...I am deducing that you may well be.

Also from the ACLEI website it would seem that they are yet to publish any reports or hold any hearings...just how you would find out what they have been doing I don't know. Any suggestions?

Bruce, as I said earlier you are a man after my own heart. I take a simple day trip to Lismore and arrive home to find your article on the ABC news website with a serious comment process underway! Excellent stuff!

ILMC,
I have also sent the piece to Civil Liberties Australia. Faulkner has a copy from several sources and I sent a copy to Debus. Thomas no longer a journalist. That is interesting in itself and raises the question why he left his profession when he was just starting to make a name and a good career for himself. I spoke to him and I was not enlightened. Coulthart I know and he is busy in the right sort of way. Yes Michael Kennedy would be great if he has the time. You are right about the Canberra Times. Jack Waterford has been OK but mainly concerned with local policing issues. Keelty has tried his hand at bullying all the mainstream media outlets and under Howard he had some success.
Lack of accountability has led to some bad errors by the AFP and there will be more. Lack of brain power and arrogance are big contributing factors as you know.
All the best
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

That is very sad news about Hedley - he hasn't had a good run as a journalist - he has been targetted a couple of times - poor petal. I hope he is okay.

Well - let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I will be sending hugely positive, supportive thoughts your way!

Bruce Haigh,

Civil Liberties Australia is the (misnamed) ACT organisation. The national body is the Australian Council for Civil Liberties. I'd suggest you also go directly to the member organisations: The NSW CCL, the Queensland CCL and Liberty Victoria (aka the Victorian CCL). They are the bodies with national credibility.

Onya Mick and Kevin

Springing some of the Bali Nine from Death Row is an improvement over Howard's (American engineered) policy of allowing Australians to be placed on Death Row in order to be "hard on drugs". Those sprung still have long prison stretches but in Indonesia sentences can shrink rapidly if lubricated.

Probably the Indonesian legal system required inducements - to provide the inducements is being realistic and requires effective Australian policy coordination. This may be Keelty's unintended strength. Hopefully he and others can spring the rest soon.

Pete