Acting ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has just confirmed the news after receiving a phone call from the Prime Minister's office.

The only detail provided about the victim was that they were from the northern part of the ACT. He said the victim's family had been informed.

"We're still awaiting some final confirmation on this but it's obviously devastating news for family and friends of an ACT resident and indeed our sympathies go to not only the families here in the ACT who are impacted but around Australia and all over the world,'' Mr Barr said.

"It's a great tragedy and it's hitting home here locally.''

Mr Barr said he was told minutes before the start of a civic reception held for Canberra basketballer Patrick Mills.

"It's obviously a significant dampener on what is otherwise a very significant day for the city and a day of celebration but clearly for a number of Canberra families and their friends it's a day of significant sorrow,'' he said.

Mr Barr said he had not been told of any further victims from the territory.