The Canberra Liberals value the work of community services in the ACT that not only enhance the quality of life for individuals but also build a stronger, more inclusive ACT community.

A Canberra Liberals Government will undertake as a priority a comprehensive and transparent review with community sector organisations to provide certainty and ensure funding arrangements are keeping up with demand and future growth requirements.

Leader Elizabeth Lee said the Canberra Liberals will also undertake a full audit of government assets to ascertain what facilities are currently not in use and could be repurposed for use by the community sector.

“This is in addition to a commitment of $5 million over the first two years of a Canberra Liberals Government to undertake the necessary urgent work to existing facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose,” Ms Lee said.

“The Canberra Liberals will also commit funding of $2 million to undertake a two-year pilot of a Community Transport Program.

“The community sector is an integral part of the ACT community and makes a significant contribution to the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of Canberra.

“They are crucial in creating a more resilient and thriving Canberra, but for too long they have been taken for granted by the Labor-Greens Government.

“With the cost-of-living spiralling over recent years, demand for their services has significantly increased and support for our community sector has not kept up with increasing demand.

“The review will be undertaken by a new community sector unit in CMTEDD and will ensure that there is no additional administrative burden placed on organisations. It will also consider issues like the impact of legislative changes such as increases to the superannuation guarantee and increases in population are accounted for in funding arrangements.

Shadow Minister for Youth, Families and Community Services Leanne Castley said Providing fit-for-purpose facilities for community sector organisations is essential in supporting the vital work they do to support those in Canberra in need.

“Many community sector organisations don’t have permanent spaces to undertake their work and are having to compete in the private market, which is unsustainable. In addition, many of spaces that have been provided by the government are not fit for purpose,” Ms Castley said.