The ACT Government understands that some Canberrans struggle with insecure or insufficient work, a lack of access to stable and affordable housing and other health or social challenges. We aim to support Canberrans facing disadvantage with specialist and connected services that recognise people’s individual dignity and needs.
We will strengthen support for Canberrans who need it through the 2018 Budget, including by:
- Establishing three community-based mental health accommodation facilities to provide long-term supported care for people who need 24-hour support. The Government will also establish a Step-Up-Step-Down facility on the south side of Canberra, to provide short-term residential and clinical treatment for people discharged from hospital, and refurbish the 10-bed Extended Care Unit at the Brian Hennessey Rehabilitation Centre, to help provide a secure facility for people to transition back into the community.
- Conducting energy efficient upgrades to public housing propertiesto help low income households reduce their power bills and use energy more efficiently.
- Undertaking design work for a second Common Ground accommodation facility in Dickson, providing intensive support to those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.
- Continuing to provide free off-peak travel for concessional MyWay card holders to help people get around our city.
- Establishing the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund to provide additional support for Canberrans most in need and leverage individual and private sector philanthropy.
“The ACT Government is working hard to support Canberrans and families who are finding it tough. But our programs and services are only one part of the equation. I add the ACT Government’s support to calls for a rise in the level of income support available through Newstart. At just $273 a week – some $400 less than the national minimum wage – the current rate of Newstart is too low to help people get back on their feet when they end up out of work. Instead, it simply traps people into disadvantage. We urge the Federal Parliament to do the just thing by providing better support for Canberrans, and all Australians, who rely on it.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr,
2018-19 Budget Speech
