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: Removal of Coronavirus Supplement pushes Canberrans deeper into poverty
The removal of the Coronavirus supplement comes into effect tomorrow, impacting over 10,000 Canberrans receiving JobSeeker and an additional 9,000 Canberrans receiving other income supports. “While many Canberrans look forward to the prospect of a relaxing Easter long weekend, for the 10,000 Canberrans on JobSeeker plus other recipients of income support, financial anxiety will be […]
Joint media release: NO CHOICE AND NO VOICE Mooted NDIS changes slammed
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI) have joined forces to slam the proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act reported in the media today. A copy of a draft of legislation amending the Act was issued by the Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, […]
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes extension of COVID-19 energy consumer protections
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the announcement yesterday by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) that it will extend the additional protections to support households and small businesses struggling with energy bills until 30 June 2021. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “We commend the AER for acting swiftly and proactively at […]
Media release: ACTCOSS Celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and calls upon Canberrans to reflect on their personal responsibility in combatting racism. “This year’s theme is ‘Youth standing up against Racism’, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the power that young people have have […]
Media Release: ACTCOSS welcomes the launch of Close the Gap Campaign Report 2021
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the launch of the Close the Gap Campaign Report 2021 – Leadership and Legacy through Crisis: Keeping Our Mob Safe which highlights both the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to the immense public health and climate challenges posed by […]
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes ACT Ombudsman report into ACT Policing’s engagement with Aboriginal communities
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the report by the Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman, Michael Manthorpe PSM, into ACT Policing’s engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said: “This report highlights major procedural gaps in ACT Policing’s engagement with ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities […]
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes Technology Upgrade Fund for community sector
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today welcomed $1.4 million over four years to deliver a new Technology Upgrade Fund for community service organisations. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell, said: “Even before COVID-19 there was a high level of need among Canberrans for the services of our hard-working and dedicated community sector organisations. […]
Media release: JobSeeker rate must rise by at least $25 a day
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called on the Federal Parliament to increase the JobSeeker payment by at least $25 a day on top of the old Newstart rate of $40 a day. ACTCOSS made this call in a submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee inquiry into the Social Services Legislation Amendment […]