June is always a big month for ACTCOSS. We release our annual Cost of Living Report and fortify ourselves for the release of the ACT Budget.
Unsurprisingly, the Cost of Living Report shows the cost of certain essential goods and services climbed well above inflationary levels over the past five years. Low-income households are really bearing the brunt of these increases.
From this perspective, it’s really important that the ACT Government has implemented many of the recommendations in the ACTCOSS Budget Submission. Developed in consultation with our members, the submission made recommendations to ensure that the community sector could keep supporting people dealing with hardship in the ACT.
In May, the Government’s pre-Budget announcements kept us busy. I have been pleased to see the Government move towards long-term funding certainty for community organisations. When we can plan over the long term, we can retain staff, have better relationships with clients, and make sure that our programs and operations are delivered efficiently.
Specific measures I have been pleased to see include the funding uplift of $23.7 million over four years for community organisations, funding for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, continued and new funding for homelessness services, a focus on DFV and sexual violence support services, and a commitment to more public housing in the ACT.
Overall, I am also heartened that the ACT Government is listening to the community sector. Funding the sector is a really wise use of the Territory’s resources.
In May and June we also recognise Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. This year, ACTCOSS worked with the ACT Reconciliation Council to host an event for the community sector. I was glad to be able to attend to listen to panellists talking about how we can provide cultural safety and a strong future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. | 
