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: Positive results on prisoner numbers but more to do
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the ABS 2021 Prisoners in Australia data released today that shows a decrease in the total number of prisoners in the ACT for the third successive year. The data, comparing prisoner numbers as of 30 June 2020 to numbers as of 30 June 2021, showed a […]
Media Release: Employment, housing key to reducing ACT’s recidivism rate
New research has shown that employment and housing for those leaving prison are key to preventing recidivism and a subsequent return to detention. The research, which focused on former detainees in the ACT, highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to employment for people leaving prison, so that they are better equipped to begin life after detention […]
ACT Government leading the way in efforts to keep children out of prison
ACTCOSS today commended the ACT Attorney General and ACT Government for its long-standing commitment to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years – the only state or territory in Australia to do so. This follows outrage from community, legal, health and First Nations groups about the decision of Friday’s Meeting of Attorneys General […]
Media Release: Report shows strong support for raising age of criminal responsibliity
The ACT Council of Community Service (ACTCOSS) has today commended the ACT Government on its progress towards raising the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT. In its Listening Report, the ACT Government found that 90 per cent of submissions supported raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 years. It also showed that: […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes support for vulnerable Canberrans
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed investments in housing and the community sector announced in today’s ACT Budget as the ACT emerges from the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The Budget includes previously announced measures of $80m for improved maintenance of ACT public housing stock, $19m for the Growing and Renewing Public […]
Media Release: ACT Inspector of Corrections highlights AMC human rights concerns
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today expressed concern about the finding by the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services that a forced strip search of an Aboriginal female detainee did not comply with ACT human rights legislation. The finding in the Report of a review of a critical incident by the ACT Inspector of […]
Media release: ACTCOSS gives evidence on ACT drug reform bill
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today gave evidence to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Select Committee on the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021. The Bill, aimed at decriminalising small amounts of certain drugs for personal use, will help ensure people who use drugs access appropriate healthcare and supports rather than ending […]
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. […]