Social Justice Issues

The annual ACT Budget outlines the ACT Government’s priorities for spending public funds. ACTCOSS advocates for and facilitates proper and full consultation with the community sector on ACT Government budget priorities through submissions, forums and meetings with Ministers and sector capacity building. For more information on the ACT Budget, please see: ACT Budget – Treasury

A collation of ACTCOSS recommendations for the ACT Government to address in this term of parliament in order to work towards a fair and just Canberra. These have been developed in consultation with ACTCOSS members, peaks and representatives from the community. For more information on ACT Elections, visit Elections ACT | Elections ACT. Alternatively, you […]

ACTCOSS supports the many community sector organisations working to care for and build the capacity of families in the ACT, and recognises the significant impact poverty and inequality have on children and young people. We advocate for human rights, evidence-based, and restorative approaches to Government policy relating to children, young people and families in the […]

Climate change disproportionately impacts people who face disadvantage. In particular, it affects people on low incomes, people with disability and chronic health conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ACTCOSS advocates for a fair, just, and fast transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT. We also work with partners to ensure […]

ACTCOSS advocates for improving the capacity, effectiveness and impact of community managed organisations. We also advocate for appropriate funding of the community sector and engage in policy dialogue with the ACT Government through consultation processes. We do these so organisations can meet the needs of Canberrans in need of support.

People with disability face discrimination and barriers to their full and equal participation in the community. ACTCOSS advocates for policy, service models and infrastructure which support the human rights and inclusion of people with disability.

For Federal Elections, ACTCOSS provides opportunities for ACT candidates to hear from the community sector on the issues that impact us the most. Our advocacy at the Federal level relates to raising income support, housing security, climate action, revenue, funding for community services and self-determination for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Policy Platform – […]

Gambling is a high cost, low return activity for the ACT community and across Australia more broadly. Gambling can cause serious harms for individuals, families and communities and can include financial harm, relationship disruption, emotional or psychological distress, worsening health and reduced work or study performance. ACTCOSS advocates for harm reduction policy, investment and reform […]

Many community members face inequitable outcomes, oppression and discrimination on the basis of their gender, sexuality, and/or sex characteristics. ACTCOSS advocates for inclusive, trauma-informed and sensitive policies and practices to ensure the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and gender diverse people. ACTCOSS works with A Gender Agenda, Meridian, Women’s Health Matters and Women […]

ACTCOSS advocates for legislation and policy that addresses the social determinants of health and mental health, including access to housing, income support, food security and social inclusion. Health equity, and the affordability and availability of high-quality healthcare, are key to ensuring community wellbeing and connection. ACTCOSS works with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, […]