A new ministerial direction for ACT Policing has strengthened the ACT Government's commitment to building a safe, just and resilient community, with a strong focus on tackling domestic, family, sexual violence, improving firearms safety and reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system.
The ministerial direction is issued under the policing arrangement between the ACT Government and the Australian Federal Police. It allows the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services to provide general directions to ACT Policing.
These priorities are backed by significant ACT Government investment in policing, including operating funding of more than $230 million per annum. This includes a record $107 million over 5 years provided in the 2023-24 Budget to recruit 126 additional police officers, which will ensure ACT Policing can keep pace with Canberra's growing population. The 2025–26 Budget built on this commitment with funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, including planning for a new Molonglo Valley Police Station and design work to upgrade the City Police Station and Winchester Police Centre.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the direction reflects the government's commitment to evidence-based, community-focused policing.
"This direction makes clear the alignment between ACT Government priorities and ACT Policing to continue to deliver a professional, accountable and community-focused service that keeps Canberrans safe and continues our trend of reducing overall crime," said Dr Paterson.
"We are prioritising initiatives that reduce harm, build trust and address the underlying causes of crime. This includes strengthening responses to domestic, family sexual violence, improving firearm safety and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to reduce over-representation in the justice system."
Key initiatives under the new direction include:
- Domestic and family violence response: Supporting a Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit with specialist training in coercive control and technology-assisted abuse, while continuing to work with partner agencies to support victims and hold offenders accountable.
- Firearms safety: Supporting the development of the National Firearms Register and uplifting the ACT Firearms Registry to ensure a fit-for-purpose regulatory regime that enhances community safety.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice: Implementing culturally informed policing practices, strengthening engagement through the Chief Police Officer's Advisory Board, and supporting justice reinvestment strategies to reduce over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system.
The direction also reinforces ACT Policing's role in supporting major justice reforms while maintaining a strong focus on crime prevention, road safety and countering violent extremism.
