The AFP has boosted its edge against serious organised crime with a new Victorian headquarters that will enable investigators to solve crime faster.
The new headquarters, officially opened today by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw and Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC (17 April, 2023), integrates the latest forensic technology and will allow investigators to access evidence quicker during complex investigations.
The new headquarters, which also supports AFP investigations in Tasmania, enables crime to be solved more quickly through:
- The latest forensic capability, technology and equipment to support finger print and DNA analysis, illicit drug identification; ballistics testing and identifying victims of child sexual abuse;
- The advantage of being able to run multiple, large scale examinations simultaneously, providing investigators with earlier access to vital information. This is important when a high-number of search warrants have been executed and a large volume of evidence has been seized;
- An updated major incident room (MIR) to better coordinate and manage large-scale operations. The expanded MIR includes world-leading technology to maximise the sharing of intelligence between police and partner agencies, as well as real-time monitoring of surveillance and specialist capabilities to contribute to effective decision-making;
- An onsite gun range for investigators and tactical response training, particularly to enhance the AFP’s counter terrorism rapid response; and,
- Tailored training spaces and areas designed to maximise the effectiveness of multi-agency-operations.
Investigative units including the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams, the National Anti-Gangs Squad, the Transnational Serious Organised Crime teams and Joint Organised Crime Taskforces, Cybercrime and Human Exploitation teams will be based at the new headquarters. The AFP’s Victorian executive and support staff will also work at the headquarters.
AFP Southern Command Assistant Commissioner Hilda Sirec said the new building was an investment for the community.
“The AFP protects Australians, Australia’s interests and our way of life. The technology and capability in our new building will help ensure the AFP stays a step ahead of criminals,’’ Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.
“Criminal investigations are becoming more complex as offenders take advantage of advances in technology.
“The upgraded facilities ensure the AFP is equipped to deploy at a moment’s notice to fight crime and are backed by specialists with the latest technology to process and analyse vast amounts of information in real-time to identify patterns in criminal activity to ensure focussed disruption efforts.
“The AFP is incredibly proud to call 155 Little Lonsdale Street home. This is a purpose-built facility that will enable our law enforcement agency to execute the critical work and operations we undertake to keep Australians safe. We thank Charter Hall for all of its hard work to make our new home a reality.”
The building has been named Dulai Wurrung, which means platypus in the Woi-Wurrung language of the local Wurundjeri people.
The AFP consulted with Traditional Owners about the name of the building.
The AFP’s adopted emblem is the platypus, which represents the diverse requirements of members in the execution of their duty.