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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Canberrans on low incomes hit hardest by cost of living rises as income supports removed
Canberrans living on low incomes are being hit hardest by the biggest increase in cost of living in over 20 years. Far from sharing in an economic and community recovery, more people are seeking support from ACT community sector organisations due to the rising cost of living and declining income support. These are among the […]
ACTCOSS announces Policy Priorities for 2022 Federal Election
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called on all parties in the upcoming federal election to commit to a fairer Canberra by backing policies that support those who have the least. Using national analysis and ACT-focused research, ACTCOSS has identified six policy priorities that will give a fair go to people on low […]
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 […]
Media release: Canberra renters need further insulation against high energy and housing costs
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today called for greater ambition to address significant social, economic and health inequities experienced by renters in the ACT. In response to the ACT Government’s consultation paper on minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes, ACTCOSS has made a submission welcoming the government’s new minimum standards, but […]
Media release: International Human Rights Day 2021 – let’s commit to action and delivery
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today marked International Human Rights Day by calling for more action to protect Canberrans most at risk of human rights violations. ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said: “This year, the theme for International Human Rights Day is ‘reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.’ “ACTCOSS has always advocated for policies […]
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 […]
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: It’s time to reboot our Canberra planning debate
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today released a wide-ranging submission to the ACT Government’s ongoing Territory Planning Review. The submission calls for the new system to be evidence based, to prioritise people most affected by poor planning and to focus on social and inclusive planning. ACTCOSS Acting CEO Craig Wallace says: “We […]