'It's been nearly 10 years since I joined the AFP. Here's everything I didn’t expect.'

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Kasey Gordon always knew she wanted a career in protection — one where she could contribute to Australia's national security.

Having grown up surrounded by police among family and friends and with the unwavering support and encouragement of her mother throughout the application process and training, joining the Australian Federal Police was a dream she was proud to pursue.

But despite having a family history in the service, her day-to-day job looks very different now than she imagined when she was a kid. 

"I didn't know what working in 'protection' meant 10 years ago when I joined," she said. "But I discovered that it's the perfect role for anyone who wants to make a difference in a law enforcement environment."

"My current role is Protective Service Officer with the Diplomatic Protection Unit. We protect the consulates, embassies and diplomatic areas. It's a high visibility frontline defender role — really, it's about scanning for national security threats." 

Day to day, that might look like monitoring a protest at a consulate, conducting foot patrols or engaging directly with the community in a protective capacity.

For Kasey, who feels strongly about advocating for more women in the role, it also involves visiting career expos or working with new recruits.

But Kasey's current job isn't the only model for work within the AFP.

There's legendary work being done by everyday people across more than 200 roles within Australia and internationally with the AFP. This includes being stationed at the Australian Defence Satellite Communication Station (ADSCS) in Geraldton — a role Kasey has worked in, on and off for over 10 years.

One of the questions Kasey often gets asked is how she made it into the AFP in the first place. 

"I never went to university," Kasey told Mamamia. "I get a lot of people asking me how I got the role, and the truth is there's no one path. You don't need a specific background — it's more about being open to learning and bringing your unique perspective."

"I actually worked in a pub first," Kasey said, explaining that it prepared her well for the work she does now: "Dealing with conflict resolution and difficult customers — it's those people skills that prepare you for the role."

One of the main factors which might prevent women from entering the police force is the perception that the work is dangerous or too "physical". Kasey is quick to debunk that myth. 

"It's a safe role to be in — we have a lot of support and training to do the job. As long as you're switched on and have an active lifestyle, you can apply."

In fact, one of the things Kasey enjoys most about her job is the benefit of accessing health professionals.

"We get to use the incredible training facilities within the AFP, including access to physios, personal trainers, mental health support, doctors and nurses. They can even create a personalised training plan for you — the AFP really supports both your physical and mental health."

To Kasey's surprise, she's found work at the AFP far more flexible than she would have expected from such a serious role. 

"The work-life balance is great. It's supported by pretty much everyone, depending on the requirements for your role. Just yesterday, I was discussing a flexible work arrangement supporting the day shift line and doing less night shifts — I have a stepdaughter, and I want to be there for her and pick her up from school."

"It's flexible for people with kids and families. A lot of parents work with me; my immediate supervisor is a mother, and she's very accommodating — she understands what it's like to have parental obligations."

"I would honestly say that we don't just have day-by-day flexibility, we have hour-by-hour flexibility." 

In 2025, the AFP is dedicated to increasing and investing in female representation and diversity, and the takeaway message Kasey shared with Mamamia is no different. 

"There are so many leadership opportunities here. The AFP is committed to helping you figure out where you want to be. They work with you to find the right path and steer you in the direction that suits your goals. Honestly, any role in the AFP is a good one."

"What I wish someone had told me 10 years ago is that it's not as hard as you think. It's rewarding, the job security is great and the camaraderie among women in policing is like nothing else — we genuinely support each other. I've made some of my closest friendships through the AFP."

"Women are increasingly recognising that empathy and other qualities they bring are highly valued in the police."

Find your pathway to a rewarding career with the Australian Federal Police.

Feature Image: Supplied.

At the Australian Federal Police, everyday people do legendary work in over 200 diverse roles around Australia and the world.
Everyday people, legendary work.