Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)

General information only — not legal advice. Penalties and section numbers change; speak with us about your specific circumstances. Call (02) 6210 1075.

A Personal Protection Order, or PPO, is the ACT protection order used between people who are not in a family relationship. Andrew Byrnes Law Group acts for applicants and respondents in PPO proceedings across the ACT Magistrates Court. PPOs commonly arise from disputes between neighbours, co-workers, former friends, online conflicts and other personal disputes that have escalated.

PPOs under ACT law

PPOs are made under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT), which commenced together with the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) on 1 May 2017.

When does a matter go as a PPO rather than an FVO?

If the parties are in a family or domestic relationship as defined in the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT), the application must proceed as an FVO. Where the parties are not in such a relationship — for example, neighbours, business associates, sporting club members, online acquaintances, or casual contacts — the application proceeds as a PPO.

Served with a PPO application in the ACT? Call (02) 6210 1075 before the return date.

Consequences of a PPO

A PPO is not a criminal conviction. Breaching a PPO is a criminal offence under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT) and is prosecuted in the ACT Magistrates Court. A PPO can also affect firearms licences, security clearances, WWVP checks and professional registration in some industries.

Related criminal defence services

• Family Violence Orders (FVOs)
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
• Stalking, intimidation and threats

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for a PPO in the ACT?

Any person who has been the subject of personal violence by another person not in a family relationship can apply. This covers disputes between neighbours, co-workers, former friends, sporting club members, online acquaintances, and other personal disputes that have escalated to harassment, threats, or violence.

What conduct can a PPO restrict?

PPOs under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT) can prohibit violence, threats, stalking, intimidation, damage to property, contact, approach, and presence at specified locations. Conditions about online conduct are increasingly common for matters arising from social media disputes.

How long does a Personal Protection Order last?

Interim PPOs operate until the final hearing. Final PPOs typically run for 12 months to 2 years, although longer periods can be ordered where the protection need warrants. Either party can apply to vary or revoke a PPO where circumstances change.

Can I appeal a Personal Protection Order in the ACT?

Yes. PPOs can be appealed to the ACT Supreme Court under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT). The Supreme Court conducts a fresh review on the material. Strict time limits apply, so early legal advice is essential.

Does a PPO show on a police check or criminal record?

A PPO itself is a civil order and does not appear on a criminal record. However, breaching a PPO is a criminal offence under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT), and a conviction for breach does appear on a National Police Certificate.

Important — not legal advice

This page provides general information about ACT criminal law. It is not legal advice and must not be relied on as such. Laws, penalties, and section numbers change, and how the law applies depends on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, contact Andrew Byrnes Law Group on (02) 6210 1075 or via our contact page.