ACTCOSS Submission: 2026-27 ACT Government Budget priorities

The ACT Council of Social Service has submitted its 2026-27 Budget priorities. We call on the ACT Government to invest in Canberra’s social infrastructure and protect those experiencing hardship. 

Our 2024-25 State of the Sector survey shows rising poverty alongside increasing demand for services in the ACT. Frontline workers tell us people are struggling to afford essentials like utilities, food and housing, let alone health and dental care. 

What we recommend 

ACTCOSS has made 19 recommendations across five priority areas: 

• Alleviating poverty and cost of living for low-income individuals and families; 
• Valuing the community sector; 

• Strengthening investment in social housing and homelessness services;  

• Supporting self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and  

• Improving transparency and accountability of the budget process.