The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was established by the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1990 to institute, conduct and supervise prosecutions and related proceedings. The Office is an independent prosecuting service established to prosecute alleged offences against Territory law, and to deprive offenders of the proceeds and benefits of criminal activity.  It aims to provide an effective criminal prosecution service to the ACT community.

The Office is responsible for instituting, conducting and supervising criminal and related proceedings in courts in the ACT. The principal duties of the Director of Public Prosecutions are to:

• institute and conduct prosecutions, both summary and indictable
• institute and respond to appeals
• assist the coroner in inquests and inquiries
• restrain and confiscate assets used in, or derived from, the commission of criminal offences
• provide advice to the police and other investigative agencies

In prosecuting matters, the Director acts on behalf of the community. Prosecutors act with fairness and detachment with the objectives of establishing the whole truth and ensuring a fair trial.

In making decisions in the prosecution process, prosecutors are guided by the procedures and standards which the law requires to be observed, and in particular by the Prosecution Policy.

Contact

Director of Public Prosecutions
GPO Box 595
CANBERRA ACT 2601

P: (02) 6207 5399 
www.dpp.act.gov.au

The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions is different from the Commonwealth DPP. Visit the Commonwealth DPP website for further information.