In response to rising cost-of-living pressures, the ACT Government has launched an advertising campaign highlighting targeted programs that can financially assist Canberrans in need.

“The ACT Government has a range of initiatives in place to relieve cost-of-living pressures,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “This includes help with everyday costs including bills, health care and transport, as well as sustainable home upgrades and support to rent or buy a home. The campaign aims to increase awareness of ACT Government and Commonwealth assistance programs, rebates, and services to ensure more Canberrans are accessing support.”

The updated Cost of living support website is a one-stop shop of information for Canberrans.

The campaign also includes community eKits for community organisations to share targeted information about the Government’s cost-of-living support with their clients and the broader community.

“The campaign is one of the many responses that the ACT Government is taking to support households feeling the impact of global inflationary pressures,” Mr Barr said.

“The new campaign comes off the back of new and expanded measures in the 2023-24 ACT Budget to provide further cost-of-living relief to Canberrans.”

This includes the expansion of the Utilities Concession eligibility criteria to include 12,000 more households; a one-off increase of $50 to the Utilities Concession, raising the amount from $750 to $800 in 2023-24; and targeted assistance paying bills and free healthcare at our nurse-led walk-in centres.

“The ACT’s nation-leading action on climate change – including our transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity – continues to translate to lower energy bills,” Mr Barr said. Across the border in New South Wales, the average household electricity costs are expected to be $747 a year higher than in the ACT this current financial year.”

More information about the ACT Government’s cost of living support is available at: act.gov.au/costoflivingsupport.