AFP pledge a stunt: Libs

LABOR leader Bill Shorten is being accused of a “reckless stunt” over a pledge to reinstate Australian Federal Police officers at Hobart airport.

Mr Shorten said a Labor government would boost AFP numbers by 16, ensuring a presence during airport operating hours.

The Abbott government removed officers in 2014, making Hobart the only capital city without a presence at its airport and sparking calls from across the political spectrum for their return.

Mr Shorten flew in to Hobart to accuse Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of neglecting Tasmanians’ security.

“Criminals don’t know state boundaries,” Mr Shorten said.

“The law and order challenges around everything from national security to drugs means you’ve got to take a consistent approach nationwide.”

Under the plan, two federal police officers would be on duty at all times the airport was open.

AFP numbers in the state would be boosted from the five currently based in Hobart to 21 out of a total of 6500 nationally.

The policy would cost $13.1 million, paid for by Labor’s planned crackdown on negative gearing and reversal of tax cuts to high-income earners.

But Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan accused Mr Shorten of dropping a biparti- san approach to national security by ignoring advice from ASIO and the Office of Transport Security.

“Today’s announcement by Mr Shorten regarding resources for Hobart airport is a reckless stunt,” Mr Keenan said.

“Mr Shorten’s comments on Hobart airport and national security are dangerous, and he is playing politics with national security.”

Labor says the officers were pulled before a security assessment was done and no evidence has been produced to support the decision.

The State Government continued to push the issue with its federal colleagues, Liberal spokesman Guy Barnett said.

“The comments from Mr Shorten are totally meaningless, the Federal Election’s not due for another two years,” he said.