ACTCOSS lobbies ACT Chief Minister for greater support for community sector

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has presented investment priorities for the community sector to the ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, at the ACT Economic Recovery Industry Engagement Forum. 

Held online, the Forum invited input from a variety of stakeholders who were invited to share their perspectives and help guide the ACT Government as it works to rebuild the Territory’s economy, restore growth and protect jobs ahead of the 2020/21 ACT Budget, to be released February 2021.

Chief amongst the recommendations was a commitment to investing in early childhood education and care (ECEC) to ensure that vulnerable members of the community have support, and also to create new jobs and career paths for school leavers, graduates and those who have experienced unemployment as a result of COVID-19. 

The ECEC sector is one area where targeted investment could both drive economic growth and support those who were needing extra assistance as a result of the pandemic, ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said.

Other recommendations made to the Minister included the adequate resourcing of the community service sector, to support those on low incomes or facing disadvantage; a significant increase of investment in social housing and; better support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve self-determination.

Further information about the advocacy work undertaken by ACTCOSS may be accessed on their website, here.