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 Budget must address cost of living pressures for low-income households
In the lead up to announcement of the ACT 2019-2020 Budget the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has released research highlighting the need to ease cost of living pressures for low-income Canberra households. ACTCOSS’ 2019 ACT Cost of Living Report found that Canberra’s overall CPI has continued to increase above the national rate over […]
ACTCOSS supports housing funding for remote communities
The leaders of Councils of Social Service (COSS) around the country have welcomed the ALP announcement of a ten year, $1.5 billion investment in housing in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and pledge to develop a new COAG partnership on remote housing and called on the Liberal Party to provide a similar commitment. […]
Federal candidates forum: Spaces filling up fast!
Come along to ACT Decides: A Community Conversation – ACTCOSS’ ACT federal election candidates forum next Monday 29 April 2019. We’ve invited federal election candidates across party or independent affiliations to share with you their responses and plans for federal priorities, services and programs for ACT residents. It’s an opportunity for local dialogue with a […]
Enter the ACTCOSS 2019 National Reconciliation Week Draw!
Would you like to enter a draw for over $300 worth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources for your workplace? Resources include items such as: AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia, The Little Red Yellow Black Book, Ngunnawal Plant Use Book, and more. In recognition of Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander […]
Media release: FEDERAL BUDGET 2019: Some catch up on services but failing the poorest in Canberra
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has joined other Councils of Social Service in expressing disappointment that the Federal Budget has failed to reduce severe poverty and close the worst gaps in essential services, while welcoming some investments and supports. According to ACTCOSS Director Susan Helyar, “Tonight’s Budget promises the first surplus in 12 […]
Open letter from the Community Sector: Don’t rush to pass more tax cuts while three million live in poverty
Open letter from the Community Sector Don’t rush to pass more tax cuts while three million live in poverty As community organisations providing essential services to people on low and modest incomes, we call on the Parliament not to rush to pass more income tax cuts before the elections, and to reverse those already legislated […]
Media release: Fuel prices hit low-income households hardest
Canberra’s high fuel prices are hitting low-income households hardest. This is a key finding from the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) analysis of cost of living data shared in a submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly Select Committee Inquiry into Fuel Pricing. Ahead of appearing as a witness to the inquiry, ACTCOSS Executive Director, […]
Media release: ACT Budget needs to invest in improved energy efficiency to protect low and middle income households
This is the last day of a record breaking hot summer. Extremely cold weather is only a few months away. Now is the time for the ACT Government to take further action to reduce human induced climate change, mitigate the impacts of a more unstable and changing climate, and set up a just transition to […]