Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement of a $10 million funding boost for the community sector to strengthen existing community service delivery contracts.
Mr Emerson’s supply and confidence agreement with ACT Labor contains a commitment “to strengthen the role of our community services sector in supporting vulnerable community members by, in consultation with community support organisations, reviewing funding for the sector prior to the 2025-26 Budget.”
Mr Emerson said today’s announcement represented a small first step toward addressing a growing gap between the cost of service delivery and the level of government funding provided to the community sector.
”Every community sector organisation I’ve spoken with is under serious pressure. Many are on the brink of collapse, being forced to lay off staff or discontinue some of their services to stay afloat,” said Mr Emerson.
”These organisations serve our most vulnerable community members, including women escaping violence, young people experiencing homelessness and hungry Canberrans seeking emergency food relief.
“Complexity of need has increased across the board, as has the range of people seeking help.
”This small initial funding uplift sends a signal that the government understands the pressures faced by the community sector, and is willing to work collaboratively to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
”The ACT Government’s biggest budgetary pressure is growing health expenditure. Structural reform is needed with far greater investment in prevention, which is the community sector’s wheelhouse. Health doesn’t start at the hospital.
“I‘ve appreciated the Community Services Minister’s constructive engagement with me, and look forward to continuing to work with the government and the community sector on the broader systemic reform needed to tackle disadvantage in the ACT.
”With many critical service providers reporting being unable to meet current levels of demand, a lot more work and funding will be needed moving forward to keep vulnerable members of our community from falling through cracks.”