The Directorate is responsible for reviewing and developing policy and legislation across the justice and community safety portfolio.
Our law enforcement regime maintains the public safety and social order of the community.
A variety of organisations and programs come together to identify and respond to crime, safety and justice priorities.
Information about the ways we promote, support and protect rights.
All about the Human Rights Act, how it works and the review process.
FOI gives members of the community a legally enforceable right to access documents held by government.
Access to a range of emergency response information.
Our emergency response framework.
Members of our community who respond in emergencies.
Safety considerations and information for personal and family wellbeing.
How we keep our community safe.
Information about the Infrastructure Safety and Security Grants Program.
Business obligations for safe workplaces.
Keeping ACT Government assets and information secure.
A national approach to security preparedness and planning.
How we keep safe on ACT roads.
The Directorate is responsible for legislation dealing with commercial regulation in the ACT.
In the ACT there are rights and responsibilities that regulate how business owners, their staff and their customers interact.
The Office of Regulatory Services undertakes activities to ensure compliance to regulations.
The Directorate educates the ACT community and industry on regulatory functions and obligations.
The Directorate is responsible to the Attorney-General, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations and the Minister for Corrections.
The Directorate plays a vital role in providing information and advice to the Minister and supporting ACT representation in national fora.
The Directorate's responsibility for government activities of justice administration, rights protection, business regulation and emergency services.
ACT Corrective Services delivers adult correctional and detention services.
ACT Courts and Tribunal deliver justice through sentencing in criminal cases and rulings in civil cases.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency is responsible for emergency management planning and response.
The ACT Government Solicitor provides legal advice and services to the ACT Government and its agencies.
The Legislation and Policy Branch provides policy advice and research services to develop ACT policies and legislation.
The Office of Regulatory Services undertakes registration and business regulation functions.
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office provides legislative drafting and publishing services for ACT legislation.
Policing services in the ACT are purchased from the Australian Federal Police.
The Security and Emergency Management Branch is responsible for protection and emergency planning for all hazards, including counter-terrorism.
A number of independent statutory agencies are administered under the portfolio umbrella of justice and community safety.
Victim Support ACT provides specialised assistance to help victims of crime participate in the justice process.
The Director of Public Prosecutions provides independent and effective criminal prosecution services.
Elections ACT is responsible for conducting elections and referendums for the ACT.
The ACT Human Rights Commission promotes the human rights and welfare of people living in the ACT.
The Public Advocate protects the interests, rights and dignity of vulnerable people and those with a disability.
The Public Trustee provides independent, professional trustee and asset management services.
The Work Safety Commissioner promotes and educates stakeholders on matters relating to workplace safety in the ACT.
Media information relating to the justice and community safety portfolio.
This section details the ways to contact the Department as well as agency locations.
This section provides access to our searchable database of publications.
The Australian approach to security and terrorism is based on strong cooperation between the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and agencies. The Australian National Security website outlines these arrangements.
In 2002 the ACT Chief Minister signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Australia’s National Counter Terrorism Arrangements. The Agreement established the National Counter Terrorism Committee (NCTC) and outlined the respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, States and Territories in preventing and, if necessary, responding to, any terrorist incident.
ACT procedures for the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery from a threat or an actual terrorist incident are detailed in a series of multi-agency plans, which are constantly reviewed and tested through extensive exercise and policy review mechanisms.
The NCTC comprises representatives at the Senior Executive level from jurisdictional First Minister’s departments and Police Services, together with those from relevant Commonwealth agencies. The ACT is represented on the NCTC by the Directorate's Deputy Chief Executive (Community Safety), and by the Chief Police Officer (AFP ACT Policing).
National Counter Terrorism Committee website
The Australian Government, in partnership with State and Territory governments, works closely with industry to keep Australia safe from terrorism.
Chemicals used in terrorist attacks throughout the world are commonly available in domestic, agricultural, veterinary, industrial and beauty products. In many cases, terrorists acquire chemicals from the same locations as the general public. Thus, vigilance from industry and business sectors in ‘knowing your customer’ may make the difference in preventing a terrorist attack. The community is also encouraged to be more aware and ‘if you suspect it report it’.
Contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au.
For more information visit the Federal Attorney-General's Chemical Security website.