Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release:
- Mick Gentleman MLA and
- The Hon Michael Keenan MP, Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter Terrorism
The Australian Capital Territory’s most significant law enforcement agreement has today been extended for the sixth time since its inception almost 40 years ago.
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman today signed the Policing Arrangement Memorandum of Understanding in Canberra.
The arrangement will ensure the Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing can continue to deliver their uniquely collaborative policing services to the ACT.
“This is a tried and tested model for community policing which has delivered a high level of protection for the ACT community that we can all be proud of,” Minister Keenan said.
“Across the territory, a force of almost 1,000 sworn and unsworn ACT Policing members works around the clock to make the ACT a safe place to call home.
“Under this Coalition Government, states and territories have been provided with unprecedented information sharing and personnel from Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure they are working hand-in-hand in today’s heightened threat environment.
“But through this unique arrangement the ACT also receives the additional benefit of access to world-class forensic services, intelligence, high tech crime disruption, and counter-terrorism expertise that could only be achieved with this agreement.
ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman MLA said that the Policing Arrangement was important to ensure that the ACT had access to quality policing. The agreement ensures that the AFP will continue to supply the ACT with experienced Police Officers, who will carry out community policing work in Canberra, including traffic operations and routine beat patrols in the city.
“The ACT Government is focused on maintaining the safety of the Canberra community while continuing to strive for better outcomes in all areas of policing including road safety, reducing alcohol-fuelled violence and family violence,” Minister Gentleman said.
“We have a strong focus on making sure our ACT Policing staff are safe in their job, and equipping our police officers so they can continue to keep the citizens of Canberra safe.
“Our men and women in uniform conduct a difficult job on a daily basis and make sure we live in one of the safest cities in the country.
“The Commonwealth and ACT Government have a strong history of keeping Canberra safe, and this Policing Arrangement will ensure the AFP continues to provide high-quality policing services to the ACT well into the future,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
The Arrangement is available at www.justice.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases