Media release
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
The Chair of the Board of the ACT Council of Social Service, Glenda Stevens, has announced the appointment of Dr Emma Campbell as the new Chief Executive Officer of ACTCOSS. This follows the departure of the previous CEO, Susan Helyar, in November 2019. Dr Campbell is a former CEO of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ […]
Only a few weeks into summer and extreme weather conditions are reminding us all of the need for strong action on climate change and better planning to ensure our city works for those most at risk in extremes of heat and cold. According to Craig Wallace, ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) Policy Manager, “After […]