Page "Commonwealth Police" Paragraph 3

Under the War Precautions Act, 1914, Hughes quickly created a plain-clothed police force, which commenced operations in mid-December 1917.

Hughes claimed Australia was at risk from possible revolt or similar action by subversive elements, particularly those associated with Irish nationalist movement Sinn Féin and the Industrial Workers of the World.

At its peak the Commonwealth Police Force numbered about 50 men, almost all of whom were based in Queensland.

despite the force notionally being a national one.

Commonwealth Police had full police powers for federal offences, but their main task was to report on subversive activities of those opposed to the war and / or the Commonwealth government.

Tensions between the Queensland and federal governments flared up a number of times, including during and after a federal police raid on the Queensland Government Printer's Office.