The chief executive of the Australian Federal Police Association has called for a complete review of the union's operations after a botched election process saw some members sent incorrect ballot papers.
Documents lodged by the Australian Electoral Commissioner in the Federal Court show elections for the association's branch zone co-ordinator and workplace delegates were suspended on July 23 after errors were found in the roll of voters and the number of vacancies. As a result, some association members did not receive the correct ballot papers and the elections were suspended.
The errors are understood to have originated in a move to a new database system, where some members were not placed in the correct zones. The returning officer became aware of the errors just days after the close of nominations and acted to suspend the election after a string of correspondence with the AFPA.
A number of police officers who are members of the association are understood to have raised concerns after receiving incorrect ballot papers. Some members are also understood to have broader concerns about the running of the association.
AFPA chief executive Dennis Gellatly said the election irregularities would be thoroughly investigated.
"We were the ones who identified the irregularities, we notified the [Australian Electoral Commission] and have taken steps to ensure the problems are addressed," Mr Gellatly said.
"The cause of the Federal Court inquiry will be investigated, and we will co-operate fully. But I want to bring in somebody independent to do a full compliance audit on us and go through everything we are required to do financially, regulatory-wise and so on, I'm happy to bring in mediators to go through everything to give an accurate picture of where things are."
The matter is set to return to the Federal Court on September 14.
