Submission to the ACT Government’s Community and Other Tenancies Application and Allocation Policy 2025

Government‑owned community facilities are vital to social infrastructure. When well‑planned, accessible, and fit‑for‑purpose, these assets enable essential services, strengthen community connection, and contribute directly to health, inclusion, and resilient communities; key outcomes embedded in the ACT Wellbeing Framework.

ACTCOSS Position

ACTCOSS supports the overall shift away from historical allocation approaches toward a more strategic and needs‑based system. This reform represents an opportunity to align community infrastructure with population needs, service system priorities, and equitable access across Canberra.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen transparency and consistency in identifying community needs
2. Ensure strong governance and visibility of the Property Review Panel (PRP)
3. Deliver clearer, predictable timeframes and improved asset visibility
4. Build a more accessible and proportionate Expression of Interest (EOI) process
5. Clarify the direct allocation pathway
6. Embed climate resilience into community facilities planning
7. Support equity for small and specialist services
8. Establish an emergency allocation pathway, and
9. Commit to partnership and continuous improvement.

ACTCOSS looks forward to ongoing collaboration to support implementation and continuous improvement of the allocation system.