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: ACTCOSS welcomes Raise the Age discussion paper
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the release of the Raising the Age discussion paper by the ACT Government. The ACT Government is calling for expert and community input into legislative reform to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years to 14 years of age. ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell […]
Media release: Women Offenders Framework, vaccinations signs of progress at AMC
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the launch of the Women Offenders Framework and the announcement that female detainees will move back to their purpose-built accommodation at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “ACTCOSS and its members have been calling for reforms to improve outcomes for […]
Media release: COSS Directors call for national action to raise the age of criminal responsibility
Today the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), New South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS), Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS), Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS), Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), […]
Media release: ACTCOSS supports decriminalisation bill
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today made a submission to the Inquiry into the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill). The Bill aims to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “The development of this Bill is an opportunity […]
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes expansion of supports to combat electricity price hikes
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement of an increased Utilities Concession and other initiatives to support people on low incomes. This follows today’s retail electricity price increase announced by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “Today’s announcement by the ICRC of […]
Media release: Investment in housing, community sector must be priorities for ACT Budget
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and community sector member organisations have urged the ACT Government to prioritise investment in social housing and community services in the upcoming ACT 2021/22 Budget. During meetings last week, the ACT community sector shared key funding needs with senior ACT Government officials including representatives from Chief Minister, Treasury […]
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes opening of ACT Government Access and Sensory vaccination clinic
Today the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) welcomed the opening of the designated COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people with disabilities at the Garran vaccination clinic. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “At every stage of the pandemic, people with disabilities have been left behind. We have seen this yet again in the Federal Government’s […]
Media release: Advisory council step toward reducing gambling harm, strengthening community clubs
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the announcement of the ACT Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council as a positive step toward reducing gambling harm in the ACT while supporting the important role of our community clubs. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “We welcome the establishment of the ACT Community Clubs Ministerial […]