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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Media Release: ACTCOSS submission to Parliamentary inquiry into housing affordability & supply
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Housing Affordability and Supply in Australia calling for urgent action by the Federal Government, alongside state and territory governments, to address the housing crisis facing all Australian jurisdictions including the ACT. In its submission, ACTCOSS called for measures including: […]
Media release: Mental health and care boost welcomed
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed substantial funding for Canberrans needing mental health, alcohol and other drug services and primary health care. The ACT packages announced by ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith and Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson includes $14 million from the ACT Government, delivered […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes $26m funding boost
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) said today that a $26 million funding package for the community sector announced by the ACT Government represented a major commitment to address needs highlighted by ACTCOSS and its members during the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The funding announcement includes: $8.6m for specialist homelessness programs $4m to […]
Media release: ACTCOSS gives evidence to ACT planning inquiry
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today told an ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry that urgent action was needed to increase the supply of public and community housing. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell told the inquiry that the ACT Government must commit to the full, transparent and timely delivery of the ACT Housing Strategy and […]
Media release: ACT Government commits to continued funding for essential ACT services
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed confirmation by the ACT Government that key frontline community services would continue to receive funding from 1 July 2021 following the delay of the 2021-22 ACT Budget to 31 August 2021. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “As a result of the delayed ACT Budget, many […]
ACTCOSS calls on ACT Government to fully fund community services
In the lead up to the 2021-22 ACT Budget, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has made a submission to the ACT Government’s Budget Consultation. The 2021-22 ACT Budget will be released on 31 August 2021. In its submission, ACTCOSS has listed its priority policies for the achievement of a just and fair Canberra. […]
Media release: Investment in housing, community sector must be priorities for ACT Budget
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and community sector member organisations have urged the ACT Government to prioritise investment in social housing and community services in the upcoming ACT 2021/22 Budget. During meetings last week, the ACT community sector shared key funding needs with senior ACT Government officials including representatives from Chief Minister, Treasury […]
Media release: ACT Budget falls short on investment for struggling Canberrans
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) said that today’s ACT Budget fell short on the investments and vision required to ensure Canberrans facing disadvantage were protected as the ACT emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. The Budget includes pre-announced measures of $15.8 million to extend funding introduced during COVID-19 for mental health services, $2.6 million […]