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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and ACT Shelter today welcomed the announcement by the ACT Government of the indefinite extension of land tax exemptions for landlords who rent their properties through a community housing provider. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “Any measure to increase the supply of affordable housing in Canberra is […]

ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) said tonight that despite providing much needed extra funding for community services, the Federal Budget has failed to invest in social housing and to support people on low incomes. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: “After many years of austerity and the COVID-19 health and economic crisis we are […]