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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Robodebt Royal Commission must deliver answers, accountability and protections
The ACT Council Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today welcomed the Robodebt Royal Commission as an important step to getting answers, accountability and better social security protections following this appalling abuse of power. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “ACTCOSS’s peak body, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) led the campaign to end Robodebt and […]
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 calls for political leaders to commit to raising the rate of income support
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today backed a call by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) for all political leaders and federal election candidates to make a commitment to raising the rate of JobSeeker to $70 a day. ACOSS urged politicians to consider whether they could live on just $46 day, […]
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 […]
Media Release: Proposed voter ID to impact the most vulnerable
ACTCOSS today expressed its deep concern about the Federal Government’s proposed voter ID reforms. The Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 seeks to make it compulsory for voters to show identification before voting “to reduce voter fraud in the form of voter impersonation” – despite evidence showing that risk of voting fraud in Australia […]
Media release: Clear messages to ACT Federal Election Candidates
With only four days to go until polling day, a report from the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) Federal Election Forum has asked candidates to focus on local issues outside the issues raised in the so-called ‘Canberra bubble’. Using a combination of electorate-specific discussion prompts, priorities identified by community sector workers, leaders and other […]
Federal candidates forum: Spaces filling up fast!
Come along to ACT Decides: A Community Conversation – ACTCOSS’ ACT federal election candidates forum next Monday 29 April 2019. We’ve invited federal election candidates across party or independent affiliations to share with you their responses and plans for federal priorities, services and programs for ACT residents. It’s an opportunity for local dialogue with a […]