AFP receives $321m boost to help 'destroy terrorists in the Middle East'
The Australian Federal Police has received a $321 million boost in its fight against terrorism.
The largest AFP cash injection in more than a decade, which includes funding for 300 extra covert intelligence operators, aims to bring down crime gangs, drug syndicates and fraudsters much faster.
Prime Minister Turnbull said Australia’s two largest threats in national security were North Korea and “the continued battle to destroy the terrorists in the Middle East and indeed, around the world”.
"Our enemies, those who seek to do us harm, these criminals, whether they are terrorists or drug traffickers or people smugglers and of course, all of those crimes and many others are linked.
"They are becoming more sophisticated and so our resources, our technologies need to match them.
"And that's why we are making this historic investment.
“This struggle against terrorism ... is of vital importance for our safety at home in Australia,” Mr Turnbull told News Corp earlier.
A further 100 intelligence experts, 100 forensic specialists and 11 tactical response and covert surveillance operators will be introduced as part of the four year cash splash.
The AFP is also set to hire more officers and step up covert operations with an extra focus on firearms and armoury.
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan says the funding will help equip Australia's top cops with new capabilities and greater flexibility to respond rapidly to emerging crimes.
"The additional experts will fast-track investigations and lock-up criminals sooner, targeting areas of priority including terrorism, criminal gangs, drugs, organised crime, cybercrime, fraud and anti-corruption," he said in a statement on Monday.
The increased funding is the first step in the AFP's 10-year plan to deliver a new vision for the organisation, he said.
Speculation had been swirling this week that extra funding may be allocated in the budget papers for a mammoth Homeland Department-style agency to counter crimes including terrorism.
