ACTCOSS today welcomed the appointment of Ms Christine Nixon as chair of the new Oversight Committee to develop a blueprint for change for the AMC and Court Transport Unit. However, ACTCOSS said that without an inquiry into systemic racism in Canberra’s prison, the injustice experienced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander detainees...
News
Here you'll find news about ACTCOSS activities and major community sector news.
For more news from the community sector, check out our Weekly Community Sector eNotices.
Media release: A heartless betrayal - Federal Government JobSeeker decision
23 February 2021
The ACT Council of Social Service said that today’s Federal Government JobSeeker decision is devastating news for the many Canberrans receiving income support. The announcement – a measly $3.57 a day above the brutal old Newstart rate – will plunge thousands of Canberrans deeper into poverty as they struggle to cover the basics including food,...
Media release: It's time to reboot our Canberra planning debate
19 February 2021
ACTCOSS has today released a wide-ranging submission to the ACT Government’s ongoing Territory Planning Review. The submission calls for the new system to be evidence based, to prioritise people most affected by poor planning and to focus on social and inclusive planning.
Media release: Facebook community restrictions slammed
18 February 2021
ACTCOSS has slammed a decision by the social media giant Facebook which saw some community organisations around the country unable to post and share information with vulnerable clients and service users.
Media release: ACT Budget falls short on investment for struggling Canberrans
9 February 2021
ACTCOSS said that today’s ACT Budget fell short on the investments and vision required to ensure Canberrans facing disadvantage were protected as the ACT emerges from the COVID-19 crisis.
Media release: ACTCOSS supports call for inquiry into systemic racism in Canberra's prison
9 February 2021
ACTCOSS today called on all members of the ACT Legislative Assembly to support today’s motion by Elizabeth Kikkert MLA calling for an independent inquiry into systemic and/or institutional racism at Canberra’s prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).
Joint media release: Calls for social housing to be prioritised in tomorrow’s ACT Budget
8 February 2021
Leaders from across the housing and community sector have today written to the Minister for Housing, Yvette Berry MLA, calling for the ACT Government to match its significant investments in infrastructure projects, such as light rail and renewable energy, with similar investments in social housing.
Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes long overdue funding for Canberra’s First Nations families
8 February 2021
ACTCOSS today welcomed a long overdue funding announcement by the ACT Government to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Media release: Strong stance on sexual expression rights welcome
4 February 2021
ACTCOSS today praised the ACT Government for calling on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Federal Government to allow people with disability to use their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds for services to support sexual expression.
Joint media release: Federal Parliament must retain consumer protections
4 February 2021
Care Financial Counselling Service and Consumer Law Centre and ACTCOSS have made a joint submission calling on Federal Parliament to ensure important consumer protections remain in place for the benefit of all Australians.