The ACT Legislative Assembly last week passed a motion calling on the government to consider doubling its annual funding boost to the community sector, amid warnings that organisations providing essential services to vulnerable Canberrans — including food relief, mental health support, homelessness support, and crisis services for victims of domestic violence — are under severe strain.

Greens MLA Laura Nuttall moved the motion on Thursday for the government to raise its current $10 million funding boost over two years to $20 million per year, beginning with the 2026–27 Budget, arguing it would provide greater funding security to community organisations.

“Everyone knows that we’re in a cost-of-living crisis,” Ms Nuttall said. “So many Canberrans are struggling and need help, and the government leaves it to the community sector to provide this support. But right now, this sector simply doesn’t get the funding or funding security they need…

“Too often, community groups are also held back by a lack of funding security. We’ve heard genuine fear from community organisations who don’t know if their contracts will be renewed until the last possible minute.”

83 per cent of community organisations reported increased demand in 2024, up from 67 per cent in 2022, according to the ACT Council of Social Service’s State of the Sector Report. ACTCOSS has separately argued that the government’s indexation formula fails to account for mandatory cost increases, including superannuation, long service leave, and insurance.

“Systemic underfunding also has a brutal impact on the workers, who pour their heart and soul into helping people at the toughest point in their lives, and do so without the pay and protections of their peers in the public sector…

“While many see Canberra as a wealthy city, the reality is that many are only one missed paycheque or rent or interest hike away from needing to rely on the community sector for help.”

Suzanne Orr MLA (Labor), community services and climate change minister, removed the $20 million figure from the operative clauses, replacing it with language asking the government to “respond to submissions” and “consider” further uplift.

The motion also called for funding renewal decisions to be made at least six months before contracts expire; parity on superannuation, paid parental leave, and family and domestic violence leave for community and public sector workers; and work with the sector on climate resilience for ageing community facilities.

ACTCOSS welcomed the result. CEO Dr Devin Bowles said:

“ACTCOSS was pleased to see widespread support for Ms Nuttall’s motion calling for sustainable funding for the community sector. As the sector that provides care to people and families in crisis, as well as the services that keep them out of crisis, support should be beyond party politics. Yet many community organisations are struggling with resourcing, diminishing their capacity to provide help to those who most need it. This motion is timely.

 “The Government has a number of important election commitments to improve support for the community sector, and we thank Minister Orr for her work progressing them, including through support of this motion.”