Law checked: 18 July 2026
This article gives general information about police questioning in Australian Capital Territory. It was checked on 18 July 2026 against Legal Aid ACT guidance and the current Australian Capital Territory legislation. Police powers depend on the facts, the particular statutory power being used and whether any special order, warrant or declared area applies.
Short answer
In general, a person may decline to answer questions that could expose them to criminal liability, but legislation creates important exceptions. Required identifying details, driver or vehicle-owner information and questions under specialised regulatory laws may have to be answered. Legal Aid ACT guidance explains the right to silence and common exceptions; the legal framework is found in the current Australian Capital Territory legislation and other relevant Acts.
Before an interview
Ask whether you are under arrest and whether you are free to leave. You may say, “I do not want to answer questions until I have received legal advice.” Anything you voluntarily say may be recorded or used as evidence; Legal Aid ACT guidance recommends obtaining legal advice before participating in a police interview.
Do not guess
If you are legally required to provide particular information, give truthful information. Do not fill silence with explanations, speculate or sign a statement you do not understand. Interview safeguards can differ for children, First Nations people, people requiring an interpreter and people with cognitive disability; those protections are described in Legal Aid ACT guidance and the current Australian Capital Territory legislation.
Key sources
- Legal Aid ACT — police powers and rights
- Australian Capital Territory legislation database / principal police-powers legislation
- ACT Policing — complaints and feedback
Important
This is general educational information, not legal advice. Police powers can arise under laws not discussed here and may change after the checked date. If an encounter is happening now, prioritise safety. If you are arrested, charged, injured or unsure whether you must comply, obtain advice from a lawyer or the legal-aid service in Australian Capital Territory.