Special event to mark the Centenary of Federal Policing

The AFP will tomorrow (Wednesday 29 November) mark the Centenary of Federal Policing at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) with the launch of an exhibit symbolising our proud 100-year history.

Exactly 100 years ago tomorrow, an assault on the then Prime Minister Billy Hughes, at a rally in Warwick, in rural Queensland, led to the creation of Australia’s first federal policing body.

Part way through a passionate conscription address by the Prime Minister, a local protestor hurled an egg at the PM – dislodging his hat from his head. When the local police sergeant failed to take any action against the protestor, the Prime Minister took swift action to create a new Commonwealth Police Force, to investigate and prosecute crimes against the Commonwealth – and its officials. The new police force was established less than a fortnight later on 11 December 1917.

As part of the centenary celebrations, the NMA will exhibit a 1974 XB Falcon patrol car which was used for traffic enforcement by the ACT Police, which merged with the Commonwealth Police in 1979 to become the Australian Federal Police.

In launching the exhibit, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin will reflect on our beginnings and the journey that has led to the AFP of today.

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