The AFP is reminding Australians of the rewarding and exciting career of its Protective Service Officers (PSO) as the deadline approaches for applications to close in one of the AFP’s biggest recruitment campaigns.
Running since last year, the campaign has attracted hundreds of new PSOs applications ahead of an expansion of operations.
PSOs have the opportunity to be stationed across Australia in both metropolitan cities and regional areas, while also offering opportunities to work overseas as part of the agency’s global operations.
New recruits will join the more than 800 AFP PSOs who play a key frontline role in protecting the community and Commonwealth infrastructure.
PSOs provide an armed first-response capability at locations across the country, including Parliament House in Canberra, major Australian airports, Defence locations and other places of critical infrastructure.
Opportunities for regional work are available at Cairns and the Gold Coast in Queensland, Geraldton and Exmouth in Western Australia and Pine Gap in the Northern Territory.
Acting Commander Josh Kinghorn said the AFP was seeking recruits from a variety of backgrounds.
“Our PSO workforce is diverse and bring all sorts of life experiences with them when they start working for the AFP. What they all do have in common though is a desire to serve and protect their local and national communities, good fitness and health, a sense of adventure and a willingness to adapt and learn.”
Acting Commander Kinghorn added:
“As a PSO, there’s no chance of being caught behind a desk – they are our boots on the ground, working with important people across Australia and the world in an extremely rewarding career. What our workforce does is important. If you’re motivated to do something different that keeps our country safe — there’s a world of opportunities in the AFP.”
To be eligible to become a PSO, an applicant must be over the age of 18, an Australian citizen, hold a minimum education level of at least a Year 10 Certificate with further work experience or vocational education qualifications. Applicants must also hold current first aid and CPR certifications and be able to swim 100m freestyle.
PSO recruits are paid a wage to attend the AFP College in Canberra with meals and accommodation fees are covered.
After graduation PSOs receive a salary of $72,690 (inclusive of 22% composite) plus overtime and penalties. Those deployed to any of the three remote locations (Pine Gap, Exmouth and Geraldton) will receive up to $30,000 per year as part of the Remote Defence Capability Payment and an additional Remote Localities Allowance.
PSOs receive their roster months in advance which supports work/life balance and allows them make the most of their six weeks of annual recreational leave and four mandatory rest days.
Those willing to deploy to the AFP’s remote locations may be selected for advancement courses more quickly.
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