Police push for urgent safety reforms after Belconnen roadside stabbing

The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is demanding immediate government action on community safety reforms after a driver was reportedly stabbed at a Canberra intersection.

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According to ACT Policing, the driver had stopped his vehicle about 12.30am to confront a group of four young people, wearing dark clothing, who were throwing objects at passing cars.

A police spokeswoman said the man managed to drive himself home after which his family members took him to the hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Australian Federal Police Association president Alex Caruana has raised concerns after an alleged knife attack at Canberra intersection. Pictures by Dion Georgopoulos and Petlee Peter

Police received multiple calls regarding the group, whose members are yet to be identified as investigations continue.

The AFPA pointed to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing an 11 per cent increase in robbery victims during 2025, as well as ACT Policing figures indicating a 17.1 per cent surge in armed robbery offences in 2024-2025.

Additionally, the AFPA said it had identified 15 bladed-weapon incidents reported across the ACT in the first six months of 2026.

To address these systemic safety risks, the AFPA called on the ACT government to commission an independent review into the management of serious and repeat violent offenders, and establish bail breaches as a criminal offence in the ACT.

The union also wants a timetable for implementing electronic monitoring in the ACT with a confirmed start date, eligibility criteria and operational guidelines.

The Coulter Drive intersection where a driver was allegedly stabbed in Canberra. Picture by Petlee Peter

The police association said the comprehensive report should detail violent offending, weapons incidents, bail breaches and rehabilitation outcomes.

Mr Caruana said the AFPA was not asking for reform without evidence or suggesting every offender should be sent to jail.

"Where the Government has delivered positive change, we will acknowledge that progress. Where legislative gaps remain, or commitments have not been delivered, we will continue advocating for action."

Mr Caruana said the union's concerns would be taken to the next ACT election to seek clear commitments from all political parties about improving community safety and supporting front-line policing.

"Our members deserve the powers and resources to do their jobs safely, and Canberra residents deserve confidence that identified risks are being addressed and promised reforms are being delivered," he said.

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