The APS was established in 1984 when 420 officers transferred from the
Australian Federal Police into the new agency. It comes under the control of
the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department and under the portfolio of
the Federal Minister for Justice and Customs.
The APS was established to be responsible for all protective law enforcement
within the sphere of federal jurisdiction apart from Close Personal
Protection (CPP)and Witness Security (WITSEC) which remains with the
Australian Federal Police. The permanent head is the Director of the APS
stationed in the National Headquarters in Canberra ACT, and he responsible
for the running of this agency.
The APS has its own Legislation being the Australian Protective Service Act
1987 which empowers its Officers to arrest without warrant, persons
contravening specified Commonwealth Acts.
The APS is responsible for the following;
The residences of the Governor-General and Prime Minister and the office of the Prime Minister of Australia.
Parliament House in Canberra ACT
Sensitive Defence establishments, including Joint Defence facilities at Pine Gap and Nurrunger
A Counter Terrorist First Response contingent at Major Capital City Airports
The offices and residences of high office holders when required
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Maralinga, the former Atomic weapon testing site in South Australia
In addition to its corp work, the APS provides a comprehensive range of
services on a user pay basis for Commonwealth clients and areas of
Commonwealth interests.
The APS patch;
Pictured is the General issue patch which comes in two colours , black and Dark Blue.
The patch has the Australian Coat of Arms and underneath is the wording 'Protective Service'.