EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE ACT 1979
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE REGULATIONS
(AMENDMENTS)
1986 No. 299
These amendments to the Australian Federal Police Regulations are intended to:
(a) clarify the procedure for disposing of unclaimed property which has lawfully come into the possession of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) provision is made under section 26 of the Police Ordinance 1927 for the disposal of such property at public auction. No similar provision is made outside the ACT. This amendment would give the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police the same power to authorise disposal of unclaimed property throughout Australia as he now has in the ACT under the Ordinance;
(b) increase the maximum age of AFP recruits to 35 years in order to enlarge the pool of selectees. This accords with the need to maintain effective policing by improving the maturity and overall quality of future AFP recruits;
(c) empower the Commissioner to require applicants to undertake physical fitness tests in order to determine their suitability to perform the duties of constable; and
(d) provide prescribed awards for bravery and conspicuous conduct and the circumstances under which the Commissioner can confer these awards on a member of the AFP.