April 9th, 2022New Strike Teams to fight crime

Federal Police have a new weapon in the fight on organised crime – with the federal government funding new elite Strike Teams to target the criminals who bring drugs, weapons and violence into Australian communities.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said community safety was a big issue for local residents.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Strike Teams will use world-leading new powers provided by the government to put high-risk mafia, triad, and other gang leaders behind bars.

“New research has revealed that serious and organised crime costs hardworking taxpayers up to $60 billion a year,” Minister Andrews said.

“These Strike Teams will smash the criminal networks who import and manufacture illicit drugs, chemicals and firearms, and who launder their ill-gotten gains though law abiding communities.

“The Strike Teams will work hand-in-glove with the AFP’s Criminal Asset Confiscation Taskforce. Together, these initiatives will supercharge our ability to seize criminal assets, liquidate them, and invest the proceeds of crime back into local communities.”

Senator Henderson said the new funding builds on the Morrison Government’s strong track record of supporting Australia’s police and law enforcement agencies and cracking down on drugs.

“We know what a devastating impact drug use can have on families and on individuals. And how violent criminals are a threat to our communities. That’s why we prioritise national security.”