Legal and other accredited visitors to the Alexander Maconochie Centre
Information for legal and other accredited professionals who visit the AMC in a professional capacity.
Legal visits follow the same rules as other visitors. The visits take place in a private room. Legal representatives may ask for a non-contact or non-private visit. You may also speak to a detainee by audio-visual link.
Legal and other accredited visitors can enter the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) or visit a detainee on any day of the week.
To book a visit on a non-visit day (Mondays and Tuesdays), email avlamcbookings@act.gov.au at least one business day in advance.
Legal visitors must:
- show identification to confirm you are a registered legal practitioner
- be involved in the legal representation of the detainee.
What you can bring
You can bring legal documents about the detainee’s case.
Read our prepare for your visit page to check:
- the list of banned items
- what it is appropriate to wear.
Bringing prohibited items in a professional capacity
Professional visitors can ask to bring certain prohibited items into the AMC. You can read the full list of prohibited items.
The item must directly support the purpose of the visit. You must need these items for your professional duties during the visit. Examples of items we may consider include:
- laptops or tablets for looking at case files and showing legal papers
- mobile phones used for secure communication or reference
- other electronic devices essential to the visit.
Effective 3 March 2026, the Alexander Maconochie Centre will no longer accept USB storage devices through any means, including mail, front reception drop-off, or through legal representatives.
Approved alternatives for legal material:
- Hard copy documents provided during in-person legal visits
- Approved laptop use exemptions for legal representatives
- Secure digital transfer solution for confirmed self-representing detainees only contact Security Systems ACTCSSecuritySystems@act.gov.au
From 1 December 2025 all previous approvals will expire. To bring a prohibited item to the AMC you must apply again.
Applying to bring a prohibited item
If you need to bring a prohibited item to the AMC you must apply for approval.
- Fill in the Prohibited Things, Restricted, Excess, and Non-Standard Items Application Form [Word, 59KB] [DOCX 50kB]
- Submit your form:
- for electronic device applications email actcssecuritysystems@act.gov.au
- for other prohibited items email AMCexecsupport@act.gov.au
- Allow 5 working days for processing
- Do not bring the item to the AMC until you get written confirmation from us.
Professionals visiting in a personal capacity
You must get an exemption to visit a detainee in a personal capacity.
To ask for an exemption write to:
- Assistant Commissioner, Custodial Operations, Alexander Maconochie Centre, Locked Bag 7775, Canberra BC, ACT 2610.
Exemptions are at the discretion of the Assistant Commissioner (or delegate). You must have written approval before you book a personal visit.
If you have a prohibited item exemption you can only use that for professional visits.
If you try to use a professional exemption to bring in prohibited items for a personal visit, the items are considered contraband.