ACT Labor MLA Dr Marisa Paterson will call on the ACT Government today to explore ‘Purple Flag’ accreditations in Canberra’s nightlife precincts of Civic and Braddon, as well as other areas, as part of its consultation about the city’s night-time economy (a recommendation in the Better Regulation Report 2022).

The ‘Purple Flag’ initiative accredits nightlife precincts that meet standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity, and safety at night. To achieve Purple Flag accreditation, areas must meet a set of criteria, including access to public transport, adequate street lighting, and great food and beverage offerings.

Ninety cities across the world have met the purple flag accreditation, including Sydney, Stockholm, and Dublin. They reported a raised profile and improved public image for the area, reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour, and a more successful mixed-use economy in the long-term.

“Canberra has so much potential to be a national destination for our night-time economy – from everything a foodie could dream of, to those who want to hit the dance floor, go to the theatre, or see live entertainment,” Dr Paterson said.

“I want to make sure that as we work on a night-time strategy, we ensure public safety is a core part of the consultation and consideration. Key to a good night out is everyone returning home safely at the end of the night. The night-time economy work the ACT Government is doing is a key opportunity to progress discussions around public safety and ensure Canberra at night is a welcoming and safe destination.”

The 2019 YWCA Canberra survey Our lives: women in the ACT found that 54 per cent of women reported feeling unsafe in public spaces after dark, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women with a disability even more so.

In the first three months of this year (1 January to 31 March), ACT Policing crime statistics list 65 assaults, 10 sexual assaults, 33 property damages offences, and 197 “other” offences in Canberra City, most commonly associated with drunken behaviour.

“There is clear room for improvement when it comes to safety after dark in Canberra,” Dr Paterson said.

Frances Crimmins, CEO of YWCA Canberra, said: “Canberra’s vibrant nightlife provides opportunities for working and socialising, but the success of the night-time economy is fundamentally tied to perceptions of public safety. For women in particular, their personal safety is a key consideration when choosing to go out with friends or take on a late-night shift.

“Responses to our 2023 Our Lives survey so far indicate that while women generally feel safe during the day, a majority do not feel safe moving about the city in the evening. Public safety must be a core consideration for the ACT Government when taking steps to further develop Canberra’s night-time economy.”

The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre welcomed Dr Paterson’s initiative. “We fully support the Purple Flag accreditation being adopted in the ACT, and also support the leadership from government in progressing strategies that have an end goal of keeping our community safer,” CEO Chrystina Stanford said.