Media release
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called for an urgent review of funding for community legal centres and services following recommendations by the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety Report [pdf]. “Community legal centres in the ACT have never lacked demand, but pressures on their services have grown substantially since COVID-19,” said […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the appointment of Ms Christine Nixon as chair of the new Oversight Committee to develop a blueprint for change for the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) and Court Transport Unit. However, ACTCOSS said that without an inquiry into systemic racism in Canberra’s prison, the injustice experienced by […]