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 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 victims of Crime Commissioner advocates for victims of crime and is responsible for delivering services to victims of crime
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 Justice and Community Safety Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Affairs portal aims to assist your search for information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice issues, justice organisations, policies and research including cultural events of significance.
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate acknowledges the traditional custodians, the Ngunnawal people and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of the city and the surrounding region.
Primary responsibility for public sector policy development and service delivery in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT rests with the Community Services Directorate (CSD). Specific information on the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Affairs can be found on the CSD website including information on the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate works to provide and improve justice services and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our community.
ACT Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols (PDF File - 45k)
Learn more about the flags here: http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/…
Research and evidence from a range of sources provides a consistent message as to the issues and circumstances surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Australia. Research suggests that the justice system needs to:
Develop effective solutions ‘with’ the Indigenous community.
Concentrate on improving Indigenous community safety to underpin reforms in housing, education, health and employment.
Improve access to culturally competent support services in key areas of rehabilitation and family support and link persons from the criminal justice system to these services.
Improve diversionary options within the justice system which encourages individuals, families and communities to heal.
Understand that poverty and disadvantage is the driver of crime and supporting families prevents them coming in contact with the care and protection and criminal justice systems.
Build the capacity of agencies to understand and work in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Coordinate services and programs across the wide range of current initiatives being implemented under the banner of ‘Closing the Gap’ in the areas of health, education, housing and employment.
Incorporate evaluation mechanisms to foster continuous improvement of services and policies with a view to achieving key targets and improved outcomes.”
'Two Worlds' by Rachelle Kelly