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: ACT Needs a Fairer Federal Grant Share
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today called on all ACT candidates in the coming federal election to explain to Canberra voters how they will make sure that the Territory receives its fair share of federal funding in the next parliament. This follows reports today on the disbursement of federal grants showing that […]
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 […]
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 […]
Joint Media Release: IDPWD 2021 – we must ensure no one is left behind
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today joined with Mental Health Community Coalition, Advocacy for Inclusion, (inc. PWD ACT Inc), Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) and the ACT Disability, Aged & Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) to mark the 2021 UN International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD). Spokespeople have provided statements reflecting on […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes steps to recognise carers
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the introduction of legislation to the ACT Legislative Assembly that will strengthen support for the many tens of thousands of Canberrans who provide unpaid care to family members or friends who need support because of disability, chronic illness, mental illness, drug or alcohol issues, dementia or […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes key recommendations in COVID-19 report
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today welcomed recommendations from the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Select Committee on the COVID-19 2021 pandemic response including a call for appropriate and ongoing funding for community services tasked with responding to increased need. The Committee’s recommendations reflected many of the key issues raised in ACTCOSS’s verbal and […]
Media Release: Proposed Religious Discrimination Bill to impact marginalised communities
ACTCOSS today expressed its deep concern about the Federal Government’s proposed Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and its potential impact on marginalised communities. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “People of faith should – of course – be protected from discrimination. However, we are concerned that the ‘statements of belief’ provisions included in the draft bill […]
Joint Media Release: Report recommends harm reduction and investment in the alcohol and other drug sector
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Association ACT (ATODA) have today welcomed the release of a report on the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 by the ACT Legislative Assembly. The Bill, aimed at decriminalising small amounts of certain drugs for personal use, will help […]