Media release
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today welcomed the release of the ACT Wellbeing Framework by the ACT Government. ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said: “ACTCOSS has long seen the need for an agreed set of wellbeing goals to guide government decision making and to track our progress beyond standard economic indicators. “We welcome […]
ACTCOSS and YWCA Canberra joint media release Ahead of International Women’s Day, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and YWCA Canberra are calling on the federal government to commit to equal pay for workers in the community sector. Almost a decade ago, a landmark decision by the Fair Work Commission found that work performed […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) is urging the ACT Government to prioritise investment in social housing infrastructure when proposing to the federal government new measures to stimulate the economy. The federal government has written to state and territory governments, seeking projects as part of its economic stimulus package and asking for infrastructure to […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has called on the ACT Government to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years old from the current level of 10 years old. Responding to the Council of Attorneys-General Review of Age of Criminal Responsibility, ACTCOSS joined the Australian Medical Association, Law Council of Australia, […]
ACT community service leaders are concerned that the Federal Government has yet to commit to the continuation of funding put in place to ensure staff can be fairly paid in this important sector. The sector provides homelessness, food relief, mental health and many other community services. A survey of community service sector leaders has found […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed a new bill in the ACT Legislative Assembly that will offer more flexible payment options for people facing fines. Dr Emma Campbell, CEO of ACTCOSS said: “a flat rate fine imposes greater punishment on a person with a low income than it does on high income […]
Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI) and the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTOSS) have today commended the ACT Government’s commitment to $4.9 million over four years to ensure the full rollout of the Disability Justice Strategy as part of today’s 2019/2020 ACT Budget Review. The funding will be used to deliver a community of practice comprising: […]
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the direction of the ACT Government’s 2019-20 mid-year Budget Review that includes new investments in our community despite tough economic circumstances. Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “Like the rest of Australia, the ACT is facing a challenging economic environment including the effects of the bushfire […]
The ACT Council of Social Service this week called for more transparency and a robust external review mechanism of child protection decisions in its evidence to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS). Echoing calls from key stakeholders including the ACT Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid ACT, CEO of […]
ACTCOSS has backed calls by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) to raise the rate of Newstart and allowances as part of their Federal Budget Submission released today. Together with business, regional, health and community groups, ACOSS have been calling for Newstart to be raised for over a decade and in that time the […]