Fact Check: Can Federal politicians report State crimes to the AFP?

Yes.  The AFP liaises with State police.

It’s important that people seeking justice are, to the greatest extent possible, given the ‘No wrong door’ option.  It is more appropriate for Federal politicians to contact the AFP, who can then manage the details with State counterparts, than for Federal politicians to approach State police.  It smells like interference, especially when you’re filing complaints about political opponents.

One reason why it was important to report these matters–even in the situation of the historical sexual assault that’s been a topic of interest this week–is that people who aren’t very across the details of the allegation don’t know if there’s more to the issue than what it says on the tin.  Sure, you might not be able to establish the elements of the sexual assault without a witness, but there might be other options (subject to whatever limitations apply in the jurisdiction).