Media release
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has given feedback on Dr Marisa Paterson MLA’s exposure draft of the Crimes (Consent) Amendment Bill 2021. The Bill introduces a new definition of consent based on free and voluntary agreement. In its response, ACTCOSS agreed to a need for consent to be communicated, not assumed. This brings […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today told an ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry that urgent action was needed to increase the supply of public and community housing. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell told the inquiry that the ACT Government must commit to the full, transparent and timely delivery of the ACT Housing Strategy and […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed confirmation by the ACT Government that key frontline community services would continue to receive funding from 1 July 2021 following the delay of the 2021-22 ACT Budget to 31 August 2021. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “As a result of the delayed ACT Budget, many […]
In the lead up to the 2021-22 ACT Budget, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has made a submission to the ACT Government’s Budget Consultation. The 2021-22 ACT Budget will be released on 31 August 2021. In its submission, ACTCOSS has listed its priority policies for the achievement of a just and fair Canberra. […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) yesterday welcomed the release of the Healthy Centre Review of Bimberi Youth Justice Centre (Bimberi) from the ACT Office of the Inspector of Correctional Services (OICS). The Review highlighted that most of the young people housed at Bimberi felt physically and emotionally safe, and that the OICS observed […]
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 […]
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 […]
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), […]
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 […]
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 […]