ACT Auditor-General Dr Maxine Cooper has presented a performance audit report on the ACT Policing Arrangement.

“There is a sound framework for guiding how the Australian Federal Police (AFP), through ACT Policing, provides community policing to the ACT. The ACT arrangement has advantages for both the AFP and the ACT; especially given Canberra’s position as the nation’s capital while also being a small jurisdiction,” Maxine said.

“In 2015-16 the cost of ACT Policing is expected to be $154.4 million. An overarching five year Policing Arrangement and associated annual Purchase Agreements provide the framework for managing these funds and services.

“The arrangement and agreements involve lengthy negotiations which seem unnecessary given that neither change significantly. There is merit in assessing if extending their terms offers efficiencies in administration for the Justice and Community Safety Directorate and ACT Policing and, potentially, better policing outcomes by allowing a greater focus on service delivery.

“The ACT is fortunate in that ACT Policing has two accountability frameworks, one established by the ACT under the agreement and arrangements and the other by the Australian Government’s governance arrangements for the AFP, including being audited by the Australian National Audit Office.”