The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has launched a multi-agency safety campaign to keep the ACT’s entertainment venues and roads safe this festive season.
The Minister, Mick Gentlemen joined with the Acting Chief Police Officer, Michael Chew; Chief Officer of ACT Ambulance Service, Howard Wren; and Director of Emergency Medicine at Canberra Hospital, Greg Hollis to announce the ‘What Would They Think’ campaign.
“Canberra is a safe city and we want people to have a great time and end the night in one piece,” Mr Gentlemen said.
“This festive season consider how you want your night to go and how things can end badly if you don’t have a plan in place.”
He said everyone had a role to play in ensuring ACT venues and roads were safe.
“At worst, you could injure yourself or someone else, end up in court or wake up in the emergency department,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Nobody wants to let down their families, friends and colleagues by losing their licence or causing an altercation,” he said.
The Minister reminded drivers that driving under the influence of illicit substances was against the law, with the Territory’s new cannabis legislation not set to change until early next year.
“Be sure to have a plan to get home, look after your friends and when in doubt take the safest option whether that’s taking a cab home, saying no to another drink or asking for assistance,” he said.
Acting Chief Police Officer Michael Chew said the police would be patrolling entertainment precincts and Canberra’s roads over Christmas, targeting alcohol and drug related incidents, anti-social behaviour and impaired driving.
