Access Canberra
This short guide is a reference tool to help refresh your knowledge or practise what you have learned in the Access Canberra online course, including:
- how to create an ACT Digital account and access online government services in the ACT
- how to use the Fix My Street service and get help and support from the ACT's Assistance website
- how to check local fuel prices, find concessions, and even trace lost or unclaimed money online.
What can government services do for me?
As well as managing your personal information, you can use government services to:
- save money by applying for rebates or concession cards
- find lost money
- see the rules or steps for things like making a will or selling your home
- check when your car registration is due for renewal.
How do I access online services in the ACT?
accesscanberra.act.gov.au has information about all government services. If you’re have trouble using the website, you can call 13 22 81 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and speak to a representative, who will help you get what you need.
Creating your ACT Digital account
You can manage your ACT Digital account on Access Canberra by clicking the ACT Digital Account link to see the ACT Digital Account page. If you don’t already have an ACT Digital Account, click Create one here and follow the steps. You will need:
- an email address you can access
- your current street address.
To upgrade your ACT Digital account to ID Verification Level 2 you’ll need a primary ID document such as your driver licence or current passport, plus your Medicare card and your mobile phone number.
You can then follow these steps:
- Log in to Access Canberra.
- A panel at the top of the page shows ID Verification Level 1.
- Click Upgrade to Level 2 and follow the instructions.
What to do if you get lost
If you’re ever unsure where you are on the website, click the words Access Canberra in the top left of the page. This will take you back to the Access Canberra home page. You may need to log in to your ACT Digital account again.
Accessing essential services
To access a service, look for the grid of categories on the Access Canberra home page. Click a category to see a list of services. Some example categories include:
- Building and property
- Driving, transport and parking
- Identity
- Noise management
Some services are hosted on other government websites. You can tell when you’re being redirected to another website when the address in your browser’s search bar changes. If you don’t want to go to another website right now, click the Back button in your web browser.
Using the Fix My Street service
You can report problems relating to your street. This could be anything from potholes to broken or dim streetlights. Click the Fix My Street link in the Popular pages section at the top of the Access Canberra home page. You can choose from categories including:
- Grass, trees & shrubs
- Streetlights
- Roads and vehicles
Click on a category and follow the steps to report the issue.
Using the ACT government’s Cost of Living Support website
The act.gov.au website has a page called Cost of living support. Below the heading Help with everyday costs you’ll find categories, with information for how you can access assistance for:
- Bills
- Health care costs
- Renting or buying a home
- Transport
In the middle of the Cost of living support page, click the Check what support you get link. A new page will open with links to information about the concessions you can apply for.
Finding petrol prices in the ACT
The ACT Government uses the NSW FuelCheck website to provide petrol price information for ACT residents.
Visit fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au to search for fuel prices near you.
Using the Key Concessions page
The act.gov.au website has a page called Key concessions to help with the cost of living. This page has a list of links at the top, which you can click to jump down to the concession that interests you. These links include:
- Get $800 off your energy bills
- Free travel on public transport
- Help paying rates
- Discounts on car registration and driver licence fees
Finding lost or unclaimed money
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au helps you claim lost money. This can be from such things as lost bank accounts, shares, investments and life insurance policies. The MoneySmart website also explains how to use my.gov.au and the ATO to claim lost superannuation.