The government has said a new bill will stop rogue handheld "smart devices" from entering the market after the Australian Federal Police Association raised concerns about the risk of pager-like attacks in Australia.
Following deadly explosions which killed 12 people in Lebanon, president of the federal police union Alex Caruana said its members on the frontlines of national security and counter-terrorism activities need advanced tools and the best experts.
"The recent event in Lebanon involving pagers and walkie-talkies is a significant reminder of how seemingly innocuous electronic devices can be utilised," he said.
"Technology is moving forward at a rapid pace, and Australian Federal Police appointees must also move at the same pace otherwise, they are fighting crime with one arm tied behind their back."
Fresh off the success of Operation Kraken, Mr Caruana said officers had effectively used technology to disrupt and dismantle organised crime by surveilling an encrypted commercial app.
"The AFP needs to have the best technology, cyber experts, and investigators to protect Australia and Australians in this space," he said.
An AFP spokesman said combating cybercrime was an important part of the agency's efforts to stay ahead of serious criminal threats to the nation.
"The AFP works closely with international partners to share intelligence and identify cybercriminals," he said.
Mr Caruana stated AFP's cyber experts were paid less than experts working for private companies. He said government wages didn't match the average cyber security specialist salary - $165,000 per year.
"AFP wages as a sworn officer - team member - working within the cyber environment ranged from $84,453 to $125,570 depending on years in the job. How is the AFP meant to recruit and retain cyber experts when they aren't wage-competitive in the marketplace?," the union president said.
The AFP spokesman said negotiations over a new enterprise agreement were ongoing and the agency had no further comment.
Cyber Security Bill
Responding to union concerns, the Department of Home Affairs said the government could soon have the power to adapt when faced with cyber and technology related threats.
A departmental spokeswoman said the Cyber Security Bill would be introduced this year to set out mandatory security standards for "smart devices" including phones.
"This will include proportionate enforcement provisions to ensure manufacturers and suppliers comply with any relevant standards and to prevent non-compliant devices from being sold in Australia," she said.
"The power to set security standards for smart devices within the proposed Cyber Security Bill has been designed to allow the Australian government to adapt quickly to changes in the complex and ever-evolving cyber landscape.
"As the security needs of different types of smart devices evolve, so too will the Australian government ensure the appropriate security standards apply to them."
The Canberra Times understands the bill is aimed at closing gaps in cyber legislation and allow the minister for cyber security to decide security standards.
The bill also intends to hold manufacturers and suppliers accountable, forcing them to provide a statement of compliance to supply their product in Australia.
If a device is suspected to fall below standards, protective measures will involve product testing and enforcement notices, including recall notices.
