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 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 […]
COVID-19 Update, 11 February 2022
To subscribe to our COVID-19 Update mailing list, please email [email protected] and we will subscribe you. If you would like to share any gaps or issues affecting your organisation, or any services that require increased funding to meet an immediate need in the COVID-19 response, please get in touch with ACTCOSS through our general email […]
Media release: Urgent need to improve access to health services for the ACT’s most disadvantaged
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today called on the ACT and federal governments to do more to reduce ongoing health inequalities experienced by people facing disadvantage in the ACT. The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services (RoGS) released today highlighted relatively low availability of GPs, low bulk billing rates, and high out-of-pocket […]
COVID-19 Update, 28 January 2022
To subscribe to our COVID-19 Update mailing list, please email [email protected] and we will subscribe you. If you would like to share any gaps or issues affecting your organisation, or any services that require increased funding to meet an immediate need in the COVID-19 response, please get in touch with ACTCOSS through our general email […]
Community sector and vulnerable Canberrans need open access to Rapid Antigen Tests
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today called for Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to be universally available to all Canberrans who need them. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “The provision of up to 10 free tests for concession and health care card holders is a good start. However, thousands of Canberrans will […]