Keeping our community safe this summer


Released 08/12/2017

The ACT Government and ACT Policing have today announced that there will be an increased focus on drink and drug driving, as well as alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, during this holiday season with the launch of ACT Policing’s annual Safe Summer campaign today.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the Safe Summer campaign is an annual campaign that promotes safe attitudes and behaviours for summer, and aims to decrease anti-social behaviours and illegal activity.

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring a safe and vibrant nightlife in our city. The Government has introduced a suite of reforms to improve Canberra’s nightlife and support low-risk venues. The Government has funded more police officers in the CBD for late-night patrols and we recently launched the CBR Night Crew to support people to get home safely,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Just yesterday, my colleague Minister Fitzharris announced that the Government will once again be offering late-night rapid bus services, offering an inexpensive and convenient way for Canberrans to get home safely after a night out.”

“I encourage all Canberrans to have fun this festive season, but to also be safe and act responsibly so you can remember summer for the right reasons. If you are planning a night out, think about how you will be getting home,” Minister Gentleman said.

ACT Chief Police Officer Justine Saunders said that ACT Policing’s Regional Targeting Team would be out in force this summer.

“The Regional targeting team works closely with staff and patrons at licensed premises to identify any problem areas or people. The team targets anti-social and violent behaviour that places the safety and security of others at risk, in an effort to provide a safe environment for patrons and staff.

“It is also important individuals recognise the need to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour – know when you have had enough to drink, and when to end the night and head home. Drink responsibly, look after your friends, and get home safely,” Chief Police Officer Saunders said.

“The campaign will also focus on impaired driving, with police maintaining a highly visible presence on ACT roads throughout the summer. Alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers pose one of the highest risk on ACT roads – by removing impaired drivers the potential for serious injury or fatal collisions is greatly reduced,” Chief Police Officer Saunders said.

ACT Policing’s Safe Summer campaign will run until 28 February 2018. For more information visit www.police.act.gov.au/safesummer.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


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