The ACT’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Dinesh Arya, will undertake a review into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing attack at the Australian National University this week. 

Subject to the outcomes of the Chief Psychiatrist’s review and any recommendations for systemic change, the ACT Government will convene a dedicated working group to provide advice on matters that arise.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr; Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury; Mick Gentleman, Minister for Police and Emergency Services; and Emma Davidson, Minister for Mental Health were briefed this morning by Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan and officials from Canberra Health Services.

“The incident that occurred at the Australian National University (ANU) this week is distressing,” the ministers said. “Our thoughts are with the students that were injured and their families and close friends…

“Given the ongoing criminal investigations and proceedings, as well as laws that prohibit the disclosure of personal medical information, the Government is limited in what information can be made public. However, we will inform the community about aspects of the incident when we can.  

Mr Barr also met the ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt, this morning, and offered support to the University.

“The Government recognises that many students and staff at the University will also be feeling vulnerable and distressed by this incident,” the ministers said.

“Canberra is a safe city, and incidents like this are rare. The Government would like to reassure students and staff at ANU that there is no ongoing threat to their safety and they should feel confident to move around the campus.”

The ministers praised the swift response from ACT Police, ACT Emergency Services, and ANU security to the incident and their support of witnesses at the scene.

A range of mental health support services are available for Canberrans:

• Lifeline is a telephone crisis support service available by calling: 13 11 14
• Mindmap is a mental health portal for people under 25, available by calling: 1800 862 111
• Safehaven is a free, walk in centre available to anyone in the ACT. No Medicare card is required. The clinic is open 3-10pm Tuesday to Saturday and is located in: 56 Lathlain St, Belconnen 2617