On 22 December 2025, ACTCOSS released the State of the Sector Report. Download the full report below.
In March 2025, ACTCOSS undertook its first ACTCOSS-led ACT-focused survey to provide a detailed picture of the health and sustainability of the local community sector, building on previous national work by ACOSS.
The report draws on survey responses from 129 community sector workers who generously took the time to share their experiences and insights.
The report tells a story of resilience and strain. It shows a sector that is deeply committed to supporting Canberrans through life’s challenges, yet increasingly stretched by rising demand, growing complexity and structural barriers that make sustainability harder every year.
Community services are the backbone of Canberra’s social infrastructure, supporting almost every Canberran at some point – whether through housing assistance, crisis counselling, or programs that build connection and wellbeing.
This year’s survey shows unprecedented pressure: 83% of organisations reported increased demand in 2024, compared to 67% in 2022. The reported drivers of demand included cost-of-living pressures (84%), housing insecurity (81%), and lack of mental health support (73%). Complexity is rising too, with 76% reporting an increase in clients presenting with complex needs.
ACTCOSS extends its sincere thanks to the ACT community sector organisations and workers who took the time to complete the survey and share their experiences. Their voices are at the heart of this report.
Budget priorities for 2026-27
ACTCOSS developed its Budget recommendations to the ACT Government in consultation with the ACT community sector, and using the findings of the State of the Sector Report.
You can read more about the Budget submission and ACTCOSS’s recommendations to government here.
