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: Battling renters smashed again in Canberra – Report
ACTCOSS has called for urgent action following the 2021 Rental Affordability Index which shows Canberra is the least affordable city for low-income renters in Australia. ACTCOSS A/g CEO, Craig Wallace said: “We already knew Canberra was unaffordable for people on low incomes, but this report, based on government held rental bond data, gives a stark […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rental affordability is Canberra’s real housing crisis
ACTCOSS, CHIA ACT and ACT Shelter joint media release. ACTCOSS has welcomed the focus placed today by the ACT Opposition on the shortage of affordable housing. This follows their call for a declaration of a housing crisis and an independent review into the impact of the ACT Government’s policies on rising house prices and rent […]
Poverty hidden behind ACT’s high averages
A major report released today has highlighted the high rates of poverty and disadvantage in the ACT hidden behind the Territory’s relative prosperity. The Vital Signs report, published by Hands Across Canberra and the Snow Foundation, shows the ongoing challenges faced by Canberrans on low incomes or facing other disadvantage. The report, which uses evidence […]
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: […]
COVID-19 Update, 4 November 2021
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: COVID-19 disaster payments to end tomorrow
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today expressed concern over the cessation of the ACT COVID-19 disaster payment from tomorrow, Friday 5 November. The disaster payment is a lump-sum payment up to $750 per week for people who have lost work and income due to an ACT COVID-19 public health order. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr […]