The ACT Government is delivering through the 2025–26 ACT Budget to strengthen ACT Policing and support community safety.
This investment supports the workforce and infrastructure needed to ensure ACT Policing can continue responding to the needs of a growing city and keep our community safe.
The Budget includes $112 million over four years to fund the recently agreed Australian Federal Police Enterprise Agreement and support continued service delivery by ACT Policing. This investment will support salary increases, leave entitlements and allowances for ACT Policing staff, in addition to enabling services.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the investments are part of a broader commitment to modernise and future-proof policing infrastructure and services.
"This Budget supports a professional and modern ACT Police service, with investment in workforce, equipment and long-term planning," Mr Steel said.
"We're ensuring ACT Policing is resourced to respond to community needs, support public safety, and deliver outcomes for all Canberrans."
The Budget provides more than $3.7 million in funding to plan and progress infrastructure upgrades across ACT Policing:
- Detailed design for critical infrastructure upgrades to assets at Winchester and City Police Stations, including mechanical, electrical, fire and hydraulic systems
- Detailed planning and analysis for future police accommodation in the Woden Patrol Zone and a Molonglo Police Station
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson said the investment recognises the critical role police officers play in keeping Canberrans safe and delivers key recommendations from the Sexual Assault (Police) Review.
"This Budget delivers support our frontline police officers to ensure ACT Policing is a competitive, modern and well-resourced police force," Dr Paterson said.
"We're also funding a new initiative which implements a priority recommendation of the Sexual Assault (Police) Review. Sexual Assault Advocates embedded within ACT Police will support victim survivors in their engagement with the justice system.
"This is a critical step in improving our justice response to better support victim survivors."
The Government is investing $6.45 million over two years to implement the Sexual Assault Advocate Pilot Program, a key recommendation of the Sexual Assault (Police) Review. This includes:
- Establishing a fourth Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team within ACT Policing to manage high investigative caseloads
- Funding for dedicated sexual assault advocates to support victim-survivors during police engagement
- A new Witness Assistant Scheme officer in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
These reforms will improve support and outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence in Canberra.
