Labor vows more mental support for AFP

Federal police officers would have access to $5 million worth of extra mental health support services over four years if Labor wins the next election.

The commitment comes as 66 per cent of AFP staff experience potential trauma at some stage. (AAP)

Australian Federal Police officers would have extra mental health support services at their disposal under a Labor government.

The opposition has pledged to spend $5 million over four years on ramping up services for AFP members if it wins the next federal election.

The commitment comes as 66 per cent of AFP staff experience potentially traumatic events at some stage in their career.

"We cannot expect our Australian Federal Police officers to look after us if we do not do the same for them," Labor leader Bill Shorten said on Wednesday.

The AFP has recently made efforts to improve its own mental health support services for staff, but some officers want more outside support, Labor believes.

Labor wants to work with the organisation, the AFP Association and experts to direct its fresh funding to the most appropriate services.

AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed in January the force was restricting its officers' access to firearms, after the suicides of four members in two years.

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