Secure your future in the nation's capital.
The AFP is expanding in Canberra. If you are motivated to escape the mundane and do something different, the AFP has a role for you. As a protective service officer in Canberra, you'll protect Australian places, people and the diplomatic community. You'll be a first responder to national security threats.
Our protective service officers keep people and places safe from terrorism, violent protests and other events motivated by violence. This includes providing:
* highly visible uniformed security at places like Parliament House
* close personal protection to Australian and foreign dignitaries
* witness protection
* security and advice for major government, diplomatic and public events.
Protective service officers work in some of Canberra's iconic locations:
* Australian Parliament House
* Government House
* the award-winning Canberra Airport.
As a PSO, there is no need to commit to years of study and a HECS debt. You will get paid to train over 15 weeks, including accommodation and meals. If you successfully complete the course, you will be awarded a Certificate IV in Protective Services. Following graduation from the AFP College, PSOs are paid a starting salary of $78,960.86 per annum*. This is inclusive of a base salary, 22% composite and Use of Force (UoF) allowance**, plus overtime and penalties. PSOs also receive 15.4% superannuation, including during all periods of maternity leave.
*Salaries are current as of the 1 December 2025. As per the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024 - 2027 an incremental pay increase is due on 9 December 2025. See Enterprise Agreement for further details.
**The annual