Federal Leaders Respond to

PFA’s Recruitment and Retention Advocacy

The Police Federation of Australia (PFA) welcomes recent correspondence from key federal leaders in response to our continued advocacy on police recruitment, retention, and support measures.

The PFA received letters from both sides of politics, with Senator James Paterson writing on behalf of the Coalition and the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, responding for the Albanese Labor Government. Both letters acknowledge the importance of addressing the national policing workforce challenges. Copies of these letters can be seen below.

In his letter dated 24 April 2025, Senator James Paterson confirmed the Coalition’s commitment to constructive national leadership on policing matters. He outlined the Coalition’s willingness to support an inquiry into fringe benefit tax concessions, explore a national “blue card” for medical and allied health services, and consider early access to superannuation for police officers. While acknowledging policing as traditionally a state responsibility, Senator Paterson stressed the Coalition’s readiness to play a key role at the federal level to help address the recruitment and retention crisis.

The Attorney-General’s letter, dated 28 April 2025, outlines the Labor Government’s broader strategy to enhance community safety, including a trial of rapid video response technology for family violence cases. Importantly, Mr Dreyfus confirmed that, if re-elected, a future Labor Government would elevate the national recruitment and retention challenge onto the agenda of the Police Ministers Council and work closely with all jurisdictions to develop a national police retention strategy. This work would be informed directly by the PFA and its member associations.

Also included below are the letters sent by the PFA to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, dated 24 April 2025, along with the PFA’s follow-up correspondence to the Attorney-General. These letters outline the key recruitment and retention initiatives that the PFA will continue to advocate for, including:

  • The introduction of a Blue Card covering medical and allied health services, similar to the concessions available to members of the Australian Defence Force;

  • Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) concessions of up to $17,000, aligning with those offered to public hospital and ambulance service workers; and

  • Earlier access to superannuation at age 55, recognising the significant physical and mental demands placed on police officers throughout their careers.

The PFA extends its sincere thanks to all Branches for their strong support following the Recruitment and Retention Summit, held October 2024. Branches have played a critical role in raising awareness through media engagement, correspondence with federal representatives, and direct advocacy at both local and national levels.

It is now clear that, despite traditional views of policing as a state issue, the national recruitment and retention crisis demands federal attention and action. The responses received from both the Coalition and Labor demonstrate that this message is being heard.

These positive commitments made by both sides of politics mark an important first step towards achieving stronger protections, support, and recognition for Australia’s policing community.