ACTCOSS ACT Budget Bulletin 2025-26

This bulletin provides a summary of ACTCOSS’s analysis and response to the 2025-26 ACT Budget, announced on 24 June 2025. It highlights key announcements relevant to community service organisations and the Canberrans they support.

Overall, ACTCOSS welcomes the $10 million funding boost for the community sector, investments in public housing and continued support for crisis services in the ACT. However, despite modest funding announcements in some areas of critical need, this year’s Budget ultimately fell short on providing targeted support for cost of living through cutting the rent relief fund and an overall reduction in utilities support compared with last year.

ACTCOSS will continue to work with the community sector to highlight the critical investments and vision needed to drive meaningful change and ensure a more equitable, just, sustainable, and thriving Canberra community.