ACTCOSS State of the Sector Report 2026

Until 2024, the Australian Council of Social Security (ACOSS) published a biennial, national state of the sector report.

ACTCOSS has taken responsibility for publishing an annual State of the Sector Report for the ACT Community Sector. Our first State of the Sector report was published in December 2025.

The report demonstrated significant shortfalls in community organisations’ ability to meet the needs of the most disadvantaged people in Canberra. Organisations also identified concerns about growing need and funding gaps, as well as increasing numbers of families and individuals living in precarious situations, who could into poverty.

Our next report is due to be published in early 2027.

Gathering data

ACTCOSS will send all member organisations and members a detailed, online survey to fill in. The survey will be open during until 01 May 2026.

You can find the survey here: State of the ACT Community Sector Survey 2026

Building on the previous State of the ACT Community Sector Survey 2025, the State of the ACT Community Sector Survey 2026, is open to all ACT community sector workers, including front-line staff, administrative support, policy and research officers, CEOs/senior managers, and board members, including board members of volunteer organisations. The survey includes questions asking about their experience of working in the community sector, opinions on training and funding needs, and general demographic questions. For CEOs, senior managers and board members, there will be additional questions that ask about organisational recruitment, staffing, sustainability and financials.

Before completing this survey, please read the following:

• Project description
• Participant information
• Participant consent and privacy form

State of the Sector Report

Once the survey period is complete, ACTCOSS will analyse responses and compare the data with previous years.

Survey responses help to paint a detailed picture of current community need and the needs of community organisations. All information is provided by on-the-ground experts and organisational leaders. The responses are grounded in a deep and practical understanding of how organisations support people in the ACT as they deal with the consequences of poverty and marginalisation.

The survey assists ACTCOSS to share this detailed picture with government, funders, decision-makers and the community. ACTCOSS uses the information provided to ensure our advocacy and policy work reflects the priorities of the ACT community sector and the needs of the ACT community.

ACTCOSS will publish the 2025-26 State of the Sector report in early 2027.

More information

For more information, please contact Leanne Bourke at [email protected] or telephone 02 6202 7200.