The Australian Federal Police Association has welcomed the ACT Government’s significant investment in frontline emergency services announced as part of the 2026–27 ACT Budget, including funding for a new City Police Station and ACT Policing Headquarters, alongside additional support for other first responders.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the investment recognised the increasing demands being placed on first responders across Canberra and reflected the importance of properly resourcing those who keep the community safe.
“The AFPA strongly welcomes this investment in policing and emergency services capability across the ACT.
“In particular, the commitment to progress a new City Police Station and ACT Policing Headquarters is an important step toward delivering modern facilities that support operational policing, victim engagement, member wellbeing and community safety,” Mr Caruana said.
The ACT Government has committed an initial $3.8 million investment to progress the proposal for the new facilities, which will strengthen operational connectivity between ACT Policing, the courts and other government agencies.
Mr Caruana said frontline police had long operated from ageing infrastructure that no longer reflected the operational realities of modern policing.
“Our members deserve contemporary, fit-for-purpose facilities that support the complex and demanding work they undertake every day.
“Modern policing requires modern infrastructure — not only to improve operational effectiveness, but also to support the health, safety and wellbeing of police and professional staff,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA also welcomed the broader investment across the emergency services sector, including additional paramedics, firefighters, upgraded emergency services workshops, replacement operational vehicles and improvements to communications and radio systems.
Mr Caruana said that ACT Policing, ACT Ambulance Service and the ACT Fire and Rescue work side-by-side every day responding to critical incidents across Canberra.
“Strengthening capability across the entire first responder sector ultimately improves outcomes for the community and better supports those on the frontline.
“The AFPA and its ACT Policing members appreciates Minister Paterson’s recognition of the challenges facing frontline responders and her support for investments that will improve emergency service delivery across the Territory.
“We also thank Minister Paterson for her continued engagement with the AFPA and her advocacy for frontline capability and infrastructure investment,” Mr Caruana said.
Media Contact
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts, (02) 6285 1677, troy.r@afpa.org.au
