Independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson MLA has welcomed the early announcement of a nearly $60 million boost to the community sector in the 2026-27 ACT Budget. The announcement includes $23.7 million in permanent uplift to the community services sector and $14.8 million in ongoing funding for community legal assistance organisations and other justice support, among other measures. 

The permanent funding uplift follows persistent and targeted advocacy from Mr Emerson for increased and long-term community sector funding to support vulnerable Canberrans in the face of significant population growth in the Territory and rising demand for assistance due to the fuel, housing and cost-of-living crisis. 

Mr Emerson wrote to the Chief Minister in April calling for a funding uplift to fulfil commitments contained in his supply and confidence agreement with the Government. 

“This is a welcome announcement that offers a lifeline to many community organisations that haven’t been sufficiently resourced to meet growing demand,” said Mr Emerson. 

“Too often we see announcements of temporary measures with a year or two of funding, which makes it impossible for community service providers to plan, to recruit and retain staff, and to deliver longer-term interventions. That’s why it’s so positive to see the Government announce a permanent and sustainable funding uplift.

“Canberra is becoming a two-tiered society, which is not what our community wants for our city. 

“We need to invest more in ensuring people experiencing disadvantage are supported not just to get by, but to thrive.

“These organisations serve some of our most vulnerable community members, including women and children escaping violence, people experiencing homelessness and a growing cohort of Canberrans needing emergency food relief. 

Mr Emerson highlighted that sustained investment in community services reduces the burden on acute services downstream, including hospitals and the mental health and justice systems.

“Structural reform is needed to address the Territory’s budgetary woes with far greater investment in prevention and early intervention, which is what the community sector does so well. 

“It costs a lot more to address the symptoms of disadvantage rather than having the foresight and courage to actually tackle its root causes.

“Those costs show up in our hospitals, they show up on our streets, and they show up in our courts.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Will Devine | 0402 183 296 | [email protected]