The residents of Canberra feel the safest of anyone in the nation, whether at home or out in the community, according to a new report from the national Productivity Commission.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the report, 2021 Report on Government Services, also found that ACT Fire & Rescue had the fastest response times in the country and the Territory’s road safety statistics were the best in Australia.
“The ACT community feels safer than any other State or Territory when home alone at night and when using public transport,” Mr Gentleman said.
“This is a testament to the continued trust and confidence of the ACT community in ACT Policing, whose strong performance during a particularly testing year demonstrates their commitment to serving the Canberra community.”
He said the Report found that 92.6 per cent of Canberrans felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhood during the day (compared to 90.4 per cent nationally); that 92.3 per cent felt safe at home alone at night (88.1 per cent nationally); 72.6 per cent felt safe on public transport during the day (66.7 per cent nationally); and 41.3 per cent felt safe on public transport at night (33.5 per cent nationally).
“The ACT also sees the lowest victimisation rate per 100,000 people for homicide and related offences and is below the national victimisation rate for sexual assault and unlawful entry with intent,” Mr Gentleman said.
He said recidivism and return to prison among released Corrective Services detainees fell in 2019-2020 to 37.1 per cent, below the national average of 46 per cent.
“The ACT continues to be a leader in detainee education and training, with a participation rate that is more than double the national average,” he said.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said the Report also found the Territory experienced the lowest number of road deaths per 100,000 vehicles registered in the 2019-2020 financial year.
The Productivity Commissions’ findings on emergency management can be accessed at this PS News link.
