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 calls for independent oversight, improved complaints mechanisms for racial vilification
On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called on the ACT Government to improve oversight and review mechanisms to tackle racial vilification and discrimination. In a submission to the Legislative Assembly Inquiry into Racial Vilification in the ACT, ACTCOSS made several recommendations to help […]
Recommendations for improved oversight of public health measures welcomed
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed recommendations by the ACT Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing following the release of its Inquiry into the Public Health Amendment Bill 2021 (No 2) report. The aim of the Bill is to allow the ACT Government to issue public health directions in response […]
Media release: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children continue to be overrepresented in child protection and youth justice systems
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called on the ACT Government to progress work to implement all recommendations from the Our Booris, Our Way report and increase investment in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, following today’s release of a national report showing the continued overrepresentation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in child protection […]
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: Anti-Poverty Week Youth Art Competition Winners Announced!
This year, Anti-Poverty Week (APW) was held across Australia from 17 to 23 October 2021. The week focused on reminding governments that there are two key things they can do to reduce poverty for individuals, families and children: raising the rate of income support above the poverty line and investing in social housing. In the […]
Media release: ACT Community Sector CEOs come together to launch 2021 Anti-Poverty Week
Leaders from across the ACT community and business sectors came together today to launch 2021 Anti-Poverty Week (APW) and to call for action to be taken to end poverty. During the launch, CEOs representing organisations working with local children and families highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Canberrans living below the poverty line. Representatives from […]
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: Review of Bimberi finds evidence of good practice, but more support needed for children with disability
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) yesterday welcomed the release of the Healthy Centre Review of Bimberi Youth Justice Centre (Bimberi) from the ACT Office of the Inspector of Correctional Services (OICS). The Review highlighted that most of the young people housed at Bimberi felt physically and emotionally safe, and that the OICS observed […]