Our higher-than-average income and low unemployment help keep Canberra’s crime rates low and make us one of the safest cities in the world.

Keeping Canberra safe

Keeping Canberra safe is a real team effort. ACT Policing is the community policing arm of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). They work in partnership with the community and ACT Government to keep the peace and preserve public safety.

This includes road safety as well as responding to family violence, alcohol and illicit drugs, children’s safety, discrimination and animal safety. The use and ownership of firearms in the ACT is also strictly monitored.

As well as ACT Policing, partners and community organisations also work to keep us safe.

In the event of an emergency

In a life-threatening emergency, at any time, day or night, you should dial Emergency Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire or Ambulance.

From time to time, the ACT may face weather events that threaten damage to property or lives. These can include bush and grass fires, summer heatwaves, strong winds, storms, hail or flooding.

In the event of an emergency, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is the single point of truth for emergency information in the ACT. It’s important to follow their advice and make sure you’re prepared.

The ESA is made up of more than 2,200 full-time and volunteer personnel and is comprised of the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service, and the ACT State Emergency Service.

National Security

More broadly, the National Terrorism Threat Level tells the public about the likelihood of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia and enables authorities, businesses and individuals to take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security.

For information on the current threat level visit the Australian National Security website.