News and Media
Here you’ll find news, announcements, and media releases from ACTCOSS and the Gulanga Program, along with major community sector news.
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ACTCOSS renews its call for cost-benefit analysis on free public transport in the ACT
ACTCOSS’s call follows a motion introduced in the Legislative Assembly today by Mark Parton MLA calling for bus travel to be made free in the ACT for six weeks. A similar scheme has been implemented in Tasmania until the end of April to help with rising fuel prices and to ease congestion. ACTCOSS CEO Dr […]
Barr Government commits to review of housing relocation program
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today congratulated the Barr Government on its commitment to review the implementation of the Growing and Renewing housing program. At a meeting with ACTCOSS on Friday, Minister for Housing Yvette Berry MLA and Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services, Rebecca Vassarotti MLA agreed to review the process by […]
Report highlights need for more community sector funding
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called for more funding for the community sector following the release of a report highlighting increased demand across the ACT for services including housing and homeless supports, domestic and family violence crisis services and mental health supports. ACOSS’s Australian Community Sector Survey 2021, released today, showed that […]
Minimum standard an important first step toward healthier homes and lower energy bills for renters
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the opening of consultation on the ACT Government’s proposal to require rental properties across the ACT to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “Over one third of Canberrans rent their home and they are paying the highest rents of […]
Poverty hidden behind ACT’s high averages
A major report released today has highlighted the high rates of poverty and disadvantage in the ACT hidden behind the Territory’s relative prosperity. The Vital Signs report, published by Hands Across Canberra and the Snow Foundation, shows the ongoing challenges faced by Canberrans on low incomes or facing other disadvantage. The report, which uses evidence […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes support for vulnerable Canberrans
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed investments in housing and the community sector announced in today’s ACT Budget as the ACT emerges from the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The Budget includes previously announced measures of $80m for improved maintenance of ACT public housing stock, $19m for the Growing and Renewing Public […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS calls for significant investment in community services, social housing
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has outlined its priorities for tomorrow’s ACT 2021/22 Budget calling for significant investment in community services and social housing to support vulnerable Canberrans and boost the ACT economy. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “We have seen a number of positive announcements in the lead up to tomorrow’s […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes $100 million housing announcement
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed today’s announcement by the ACT Government of $100 million to expand and improve social housing provision in the ACT. The announcement responds to ongoing calls by ACTCOSS, ACT Shelter and other community sector organisations for improved public housing maintenance, the acceleration of the Growing and Renewing […]