Media Releases Sign up here to receive ACOSS media releases A win with Disability Support Pension, damning report on robodebt and social security cuts still on government’s agenda23 June 2017We call on this Parliament to deliver secure, sustainable and sufficient funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme23 June 2017Pull the plug - Twelve months of robodebt is enough21 June 2017We need paid work. Let's reframe the debate on Social Security13 June 2017Climate change is affecting us now and the future is here: ACOSS calls on governments to finally get Australia on track10 June 2017Paris agreement remains in Australia's interest - Australian Climate Roundtable2 June 2017Government tries to slash incomes of poorest - again31 May 2017MEDIA ALERT: Social security is a hand up, not a hand out26 May 2017Treasurer Scott Morrison addresses Australia’s Community Sector at ACOSS Post Budget Breakfast12 May 2017Welcome change of tack in health education and housing, but vilification of people who are unemployed continues9 May 2017Media Alert: Community sector response to Federal Budget - doorstop9 May 2017Media alert: The People's Budget8 May 2017What welfare blow-out? Time to end the vilification of people who are unemployed3 May 2017Federal Government must not let us down - ACOSS and National Shelter release 6 point National Housing Affordability Plan26 April 2017Robodebt program must be evaluated before expansion: Commonwealth Ombudsman. COSS Network reiterates its call for program to end10 April 2017Treasurer clears path towards a national housing affordability policy: will it be the right one?10 April 2017ACOSS condemns company tax cuts1 April 2017ACOSS supports ACCC investigation but longer term national energy policy needed27 March 2017The Social Services Legislation Amendment Bill – Omnibus Mark 2 - is unfair and should not have passed23 March 2017RoboDebt must go: Community sector calls for end of Centrelink's auto debt recovery program and the bullying of victims8 March 2017We can reduce poverty, inequality and the budget deficit: ACOSS Budget Submission 201727 February 2017MEDIA ALERT: ACOSS releases Budget proposals - 10.30am (AEDT) Monday 27 February 201726 February 2017Joint Statement: Community sector welcomes Parliament’s opposition to social security cuts to fund the NDIS15 February 2017MEDIA ALERT: Turnbull Govt must not abandon essential social housing and homelessness services15 February 2017ACOSS Statement on linking Omnibus Bill cuts to NDIS13 February 2017No room for partisan politics in energy13 February 2017ACOSS: Reports of NAHA axing ‘alarming’10 February 2017ACOSS urges Parliament to reject latest attempt to cut incomes of poorest in new Omnibus Bill8 February 2017ACOSS Statement on Centrelink Auto-Debt Recovery Program: Government must abandon Centrelink’s Auto-Debt Recovery Program to prevent further harm19 January 2017Centrelink debt fiasco must end immediately11 January 2017ACOSS CEO response to MYEFO19 December 2016MYEFO must end ‘zombie’ budget strategy which rips $7B from the poorest15 December 2016KPMG repeats its call for an increase to Newstart6 December 2016By asking wrong questions, PC Inquiry distracts from the big challenges facing human services5 December 2016ACOSS welcomes ‘first big step’ towards superannuation reform23 November 2016ACOSS backs call to rein in tax breaks for wealthy seniors as unaffordable and unfair21 November 2016ACOSS welcomes homeless smartphone deal, but more to be done20 November 2016Media Alert - ACOSS National Conference: Leading the big debates14 November 2016Child poverty on the rise: 730,000 children in poverty16 October 2016ACOSS Media Alert: Major report to reveal extent of poverty in Australia14 October 2016Media alert: ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie available for response to investment approach to welfare20 September 2016ACOSS Statement: superannuation changes announced16 September 2016Reprieve for Newstart recipients but the budget threat remains14 September 2016Australia’s leading community groups join with ACOSS to oppose cuts to social security payments12 September 2016Unemployed and pensioners collateral damage in budget fight22 August 2016Government Super changes must deliver for 3.4 million people on low incomes17 August 2016Royal Commission Has Nauru Jurisdiction Legal Advice Says12 August 2016Royal Commission Must Examine Nauru Abuse10 August 2016ACOSS supports Royal Commission into juvenile detention26 July 2016ACOSS welcomes second Turnbull Government, calls for consensus approach to Budget policy15 July 2016ACOSS strongly opposes further ‘crackdowns’ on welfare payments to fund spending promises in this election.28 June 2016Election 2016: Plans for growth, but no Coalition plan yet for sharing it18 June 2016ACOSS welcomes Labor’s ‘Future Jobs’ program announcement17 June 2016ACOSS calls on Coalition to retreat from Budget measures that hurt people in poverty15 June 2016ALP commitment to partner with community sector welcome8 June 2016Seniors and community sector urge PM to hold firm on superannuation4 June 2016ACOSS calls on all parties to put poverty on the election agenda2 June 2016Alliance of community groups launches petition to reform negative gearing30 May 2016Australians asked to Vote Home in bid to end the housing crisis by 202520 May 2016Civil Society Statement of Concern - The Media and Mr Duncan Storrar20 May 2016PaTH Program: Change in direction welome, especially wage subsidies, but internships must be carefully designed to protect young people7 May 2016Some positive directions, but budget locks in harsh cuts – with more likely to come3 May 2016Community sector response to Federal Budget – doorstop3 May 2016ACOSS proposals to close tax loopholes find $6bn in savings30 April 2016What Australia’s community sector wants and doesn’t want in the Federal Budget26 April 2016Australian Organisations Demand PM Acts on Tax in Open Letter21 April 2016ACOSS calls for State stamp duty - land tax switch to lift economic growth18 April 2016Groups call on Government to deliver secure health and education funding at COAG29 March 2016Labor's social policy framework lays strong foundation to reduce poverty and inequality17 March 2016Sydney Mardi Gras: Celebrate progress but much still to be done to end prejudice5 March 2016Charities Commission will continue – a welcome announcement, says ACOSS4 March 2016Government cannot allow vested interests to railroad much-needed reform to negative gearing3 March 2016Cassandra Goldie to outline ACOSS Budget proposals: 10.30am25 February 2016Government policies ignore children in poverty: ACOSS25 February 2016Budget must set a new course: a sustainable revenue base to meet community needs16 February 2016Australia’s international aid and community sector backs church sanctuary offer for asylum seekers4 February 2016Latest NSW GST plan would shift tax mix to the benefit of higher income earners1 February 2016Latest NSW GST plan would shift tax mix to the benefit of higher income earners1 February 2016Happy New Year from the ACOSS Team12 January 2016Don’t sign up to a shocking deal, ACOSS urges nation's leaders11 December 2015Tax reform cannot be a deal struck behind closed doors on GST11 December 2015ACOSS announces Tasmanian Tony Reidy as new President30 November 2015Weatherill's tax and services proposal poses big risks for taxpayers and service users27 November 2015Government must release modelling on planned cuts to family payments: ACOSS26 November 2015Using a higher GST to pay for income tax cuts is a ‘recipe for more inequality, with higher income earners the winners’5 November 2015Media Alert: New NATSEM research shows impact of GST increases on households5 November 2015Back to the drawing board on family payments: new bill still hits poorest families21 October 2015Federation Reform: Councils of Social Service call for 'community service guarantees' and fair tax reform to pay for them21 October 2015ACOSS and ACFID call for immediate release of children from detention and Nauru15 October 2015Too many unanswered questions and too little evidence to support cashless welfare card12 October 2015Councils of Social Service call for development of national plan to tackle poverty and inequality in Australia11 October 2015MEDIA ALERT: Summit Groups to address media after meeting with PM Malcolm Turnbull1 October 2015ACOSS raises concerns with Debit Card Trials29 September 2015Senate Inquiry report damning of destructive, disrespectful Commonwealth community service tendering processes: ACOSS17 September 2015New leadership must unite the country and include community in decision making15 September 2015ACOSS calls on Government to move on from harsh plan to deprive young unemployed people of income support10 September 2015Summit makes for diverse allies to reform economy7 September 2015Government should refer Nauru child abuse allegations to Royal Commission1 September 2015National Reform Summit should look at all the options20 August 2015National Councils of Social Service urge Senate to vote down 4 week wait period for income support11 August 2015Rise in unemployment rate shows need for a coordinated national strategy: ACOSS7 August 2015ACOSS appears before Senate Inquiry at 9am today5 August 2015Restructure super system to deliver income security, fund crucial services and drive inclusive growth: ACOSS4 August 2015ACOSS calls for National Jobs Plan to tackle rising long-term unemployment28 July 2015Government leaders urged to find long term solutions to fund vital public services21 July 2015Disadvantage is entrenched and structural in poorest communities21 July 2015ACOSS and BCA Joint Statement on Tax Reform20 July 2015Broad alliance points to common ground on climate policy29 June 2015National leaders take the stage at ACOSS Conference25 June 2015ACOSS National Conference: Advancing the common good to close the divide24 June 2015Pension Reform strikes the right balance, but Government wrong on super23 June 2015We saved you a trip to Canberra: Our political leaders come to the ACOSS National Conference 201523 June 2015A nation splintering amid growing inequality: new ACOSS report22 June 2015MEDIA ALERT: New report to reveal extent of income and wealth inequality in Australia21 June 2015ACOSS conference to shine spotlight on inequality in Australia: June 25-2616 June 2015Postponing tax reform will only make it harder: ACOSS12 June 2015ACOSS response to Treasurer’s advice for first home buyers9 June 2015Tax concessions key driver of housing price inflation2 June 2015New ACOSS report confirms Budget fails fairness test23 May 2015ACOSS on Budget 2015: Better direction but lower income earners still doing the heavy lifting12 May 2015Community sector response to Federal Budget - doorstop12 May 2015ACOSS on Budget 2015: Better direction but lower income earners still doing the heavy lifting12 May 2015New child care investment welcome, but overall package is unbalanced and unfair11 May 2015Budget must not forget the unemployed: 83% don’t have enough to live on9 May 2015Step in right direction on retirement incomes, much more to be done7 May 2015Vilification of ‘struggle street’ is commonplace in Australian media and must stop: ACOSS5 May 2015ACOSS to appear before Senate Inquiry on impact of devastating community services cuts21 April 2015New Report calls for action on Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax16 April 2015New report confirms stable housing is key to work9 April 2015ACOSS outlines fair proposals to reform pensions and superannuation2 April 2015Drop unfair plan to lower pension indexation, reform super and pension assets test instead1 April 2015Competition policy must support community needs and outcomes: ACOSS31 March 2015Tax reform is the key to solving Australia’s public budget problems: ACOSS30 March 2015ACOSS hosts Treasurer Joe Hockey for launch of Tax Discussion Paper27 March 2015Reversal of legal funding cuts an important first step, rest of $1B must be restored26 March 2015Community experts release national plan to tackle housing affordability crisis24 March 2015Welcome relief for homelessness services and people in crisis23 March 2015Widespread calls for rejection of ‘cashless’ welfare card ignored: ACOSS23 March 2015Community experts to release national plan to tackle housing affordability crisis23 March 2015Government must scrap harsh plan to deprive young people of income support for six months: ACOSS20 March 2015Time to look at real solutions to Australia’s housing affordability crisis: ACOSS12 March 2015Budget reform: We have a choice - strengthen the social compact or grow apart5 March 2015National call for urgent reversal of $1 billion worth of damaging cuts to community services2 March 2015ACOSS to respond to McClure Welfare Review: 2pm25 February 2015Welfare Review: right questions, flawed model25 February 2015Raising revenue and funding social equity: ACOSS address at CEDA20 February 2015PC Report fundamentals good but risks for low income households must be addressed: ACOSS20 February 2015ACOSS response to Government announcement on funding for part Pensioners16 February 2015ACOSS on attacks on the Australian Human Rights Commission16 February 2015ACOSS on rise in Australia’s unemployment rate12 February 2015Joint Community-business tax reform dialogue gains momentum7 February 2015A small business tax cut is not a jobs plan: ACOSS2 February 2015Reprieve for vital community services left in limbo by Government Budget cuts30 January 2015Budget must chart a fairer path back to surplus: ACOSS29 January 2015Tax: Are we paying our fair share?23 January 2015ACOSS proposes alternative evidence-based and equitable savings to health services16 January 2015Collective community sector call for Government halt to ‘devastating’ funding cuts31 December 2014Government urged to make a new start in 201530 December 2014Shutting down community voices will weaken Government’s ability to make effective reforms23 December 2014New Cabinet: Opportunity to reset unfair Budget policies and work together on major reforms22 December 2014Groups call for rejection of Healthy Welfare Card12 December 2014Revised GP co-payment still bad public policy: ACOSS10 December 201480% of Australia’s community services unable to meet demand: ACOSS report8 December 2014Australia’s community services unable to meet demand: new ACOSS report7 December 2014Inequality report confirms need for policy rethink4 December 2014ACOSS calls on Govt to implement UN Committee against Torture recommendations2 December 2014Community and business come together to call for tax reform1 December 201410 stories to Premier in Sydney13 November 2014Australia’s community sector meets ahead of G20 to call for a national inclusive growth plan11 November 2014Reduce ‘red tape’, not much-needed capacity for Australian charities29 October 2014Seniors Supplement is poorly targeted to people who don’t need extra support28 October 2014Governments sleep at the wheel as housing affordability crashes16 October 20142.5 million people living in poverty in Australia: new report12 October 20142.5 million people living in poverty in Australia: new report12 October 2014Major report to reveal poverty is growing in Australia10 October 2014Rethink on harsh job search plan a victory for common sense8 October 2014ACOSS welcomes ‘common sense’ of the Senate to reject harsh budget measures2 October 2014Government report finds plan to deprive young people of income support breaches human rights30 September 2014Negative gearing boosts housing costs, not the economy24 September 2014Health groups call for leadership in healthcare funding23 September 2014Pensions up, but little cheer for many as Newstart payments fall further behind21 September 2014Evidence based Youth Employment Strategy needed, not more ad hoc policy ideas9 September 2014No income means no income, whether it’s 26 weeks or four weeks2 September 2014ACOSS calls on Government to tackle sacred cow of super tax breaks28 August 2014AMA co-payment plan knifes Medicare principle of access for all21 August 2014Big power company profits: the real outcome of any changes to the Renewable Energy Target18 August 2014ACOSS proposes ‘common income support payment’ in overhaul of social security system12 August 2014Unemployment is rising and Budget policies cast young people adrift8 August 2014Community Organisations to get savvy with IT7 August 2014ACOSS joins voices welcoming Government rethink on RDA changes6 August 2014Forrest review includes some sound proposals, but radical social security changes should be rejected1 August 2014One sided obligations will make it tougher for people looking for work: ACOSS28 July 2014Long live climate action: groups call for end to polluting politics17 July 2014Australian community leaders unite in defending a price on pollution8 July 2014ACOSS pays tribute to Graeme Innes’ contribution as Disability Discrimination Commissioner5 July 2014Alliance proposes partnerships to secure jobs for disadvantaged jobseekers30 June 2014Payment reform must reduce poverty, complexity, and exclusion from employment30 June 2014C20 Summit: ACOSS challenges Government to lead G20 response to youth unemployment21 June 2014National leaders to deliver major addresses at ACOSS National Conference12 June 2014ACOSS National Conference Resolution on the Federal Budget12 June 2014ACOSS calls on government to work with - not against - Australia’s civil society11 June 2014ACOSS calls on government to dump plan to cut payments for young unemployed people and focus on jobs5 June 2014ACOSS National Conference to discuss the future of public policy and advocacy in Australia4 June 2014ACOSS Board expresses deep concern at funding cut to Refugee Council of Australia3 June 2014Focus on jobs not penalising people: ACOSS28 May 2014Who will really pay for Budget repair? ACOSS analysis22 May 2014G20 lead-in gets underway with C20 Summit21 May 2014State and territory community sector leaders respond to Federal Budget20 May 2014Budget rethink needed to keep Australia on course20 May 2014Community sector response to Federal Budget13 May 2014Budget divides the nation, young and old, rich and poor: ACOSS13 May 2014Cutting payments and employment supports puts young people at risk5 May 2014Audit fails the fairness test: ACOSS1 May 2014Snapshot highlights need for expansion of NRAS and a National Affordable Housing Plan30 April 2014Don’t target the most vulnerable to restore the budget: ACOSS29 April 2014Signs low income and vulnerable to bear brunt of Budget repair24 April 2014Avoid DSP changes that are likely to further exacerbate mental illness20 April 2014Australia’s vital community services face funding uncertainty crisis: New Report15 April 2014The ACOSS Board stands with refugees and asylum seekers14 April 2014Govt has stark choice on pension reform to improve fairness and Budget sustainability14 April 2014Spending cuts won’t restore budget: A lesson from the Treasury Secretary3 April 2014ACOSS welcomes launch of $100m Westpac Bicentennial Foundation2 April 2014Patchwork energy concession schemes failing people in need: new ACOSS report31 March 2014Housing experts to call for clear action in May Budget to address affordability crisis27 March 2014Reducing poverty should be the final word on budget measures: New OECD report19 March 2014Senate should oppose repeal of clean energy laws17 March 2014NRAS vital in increasing affordable housing stock11 March 2014Disability leaders and community sector representatives unite: doorstop interview7 March 2014Community organisations call for a certain future for family violence services: Doorstop6 March 2014ACOSS calls on Commonwealth to end funding uncertainty over services4 March 2014ACOSS calls for action on jobs and employment support to stem growing unemployment28 February 2014ACOSS to appear at Senate Inquiry into Commission of Audit18 February 2014ACOSS CEO to outline a responsible path to budget reform at CEDA12 February 2014Budget should be based on needs, not wants: ACOSS10 February 2014ACOSS calls for Budget to be based on needs, not wants9 February 2014ACOSS response to Government’s plans for ACNC30 January 2014ACOSS CEO on review of social security payments22 January 2014ACOSS to respond to review of social security payments21 January 2014The good, the bad and the ugly: new social security changes begin today1 January 2014End Child Poverty Starting with Newstart1 January 2014Cool head needed to restore budget balance: ACOSS17 December 2013It’s electricity, but not as we know it - Future Grid Forum6 December 2013Commission of Audit must confront long term challenges, not deliver ‘quick fix’ cuts: ACOSS29 November 2013ACOSS to call on Commission of Audit to confront long term challenges, not ‘quick fix’ cuts28 November 2013Lift inadequate allowances and fix unfair super before you raise pension age: ACOSS22 November 2013Tackling rising child poverty must be core purpose of 44th Parliament and Commission of Audit12 November 2013ACOSS/UNICEF call for tackling rising child poverty to be core purpose of 44th parliament11 November 2013Government’s announcement on tax bills sends wrong signal on budget strategy: ACOSS6 November 2013Affordable housing vital to participation and productivity: ACOSS4 November 2013Aboriginal organisations and NGOs launch collaboration to put communities back in control in the NT1 November 2013National Commission of Audit must be about long term sustainability not short term cuts23 October 2013Time to face the facts on rural poverty in Australia14 October 2013Rural poverty: time to face the facts11 October 2013St Petersburg G20 Summit: Australian C20 statement9 September 2013ACOSS concerned by proposed cuts to Aboriginal legal services and foreign aid6 September 2013Tackle inequality within and between nations to boost jobs, economic growth: G20 told4 September 2013Make jobs and tackling poverty top priorities of next parliament: Leaders told4 September 2013ACOSS report calls for action on energy efficiency for low income households29 August 2013ACOSS outlines reform principles for a fairer and more efficient tax system27 August 2013ACOSS calls for reform of family payments to tackle child poverty: New campaign is launched23 August 2013ACOSS to release modelling on reform of Australia’s family payment system to reduce child poverty22 August 2013Focus on carbon productivity for fair, sustainable climate action21 August 2013$1.8 billion drug savings the right medicine for consumers and taxpayers21 August 2013Stand up for cheaper medicines!20 August 2013ACOSS welcomes digital training kit for Australia’s community sector15 August 2013ACOSS outlines proposals for first 100 days of new government12 August 2013Make homelessness an election priority: Major parties told8 August 2013Major parties shouldn’t turn their back on young and long term unemployed8 August 2013ACOSS response to Federal Government’s Economic Statement2 August 2013Economic Statement not bold enough: ACOSS2 August 2013Budget statement a choice between people in poverty and vested interests1 August 2013Condemnation for government’s asylum seeker policy – cruel and inhumane22 July 2013Housing affordability crucial for job seekers17 July 2013Unemployed young people: too many affected, too little support11 July 2013National housing and welfare groups demand action on housing affordability crisis2 July 2013United call for action on housing affordability crisis2 July 2013Australia’s community services unable to meet growing demand1 July 2013Australia’s community services unable to meet growing demand: New report30 June 2013ACOSS welcomes statutory definition as first step to a truly modern approach to charity28 June 2013New climate report maps way forward in securing Australia’s social infrastructure26 June 2013Six years of the NT Intervention is six years too long21 June 2013Retaining and attracting staff remains significant issue for Australia’s NFP sector20 June 2013Govt must heed call from yet another report to raise Newstart18 June 2013‘Critical decade’ to shield Australia’s vital social infrastructure17 June 2013C20 major step for inclusion of Australia’s civil society: ACOSS13 June 2013Extend National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness to continue progress: ACOSS5 June 2013ACOSS calls on NT Government to scrap ‘discriminatory’ Alcohol Mandatory Treatment Bill28 May 2013Major parties must agree to increase Newstart to reduce worsening poverty22 May 2013Targeting Budget waste needs to free up spending for poverty alleviation: ACOSS17 May 2013ACOSS calls on major parties to agree to increase Newstart16 May 2013Joint Community Sector Response to Federal Budget14 May 2013Budget secures landmark disability and education reforms, but gaping hole for poorest on allowances14 May 2013Lack of action to increase Newstart Allowance fails most disadvantaged13 May 2013Adequacy of carbon price compensation must be legislated8 May 2013Bread and Water Call to Action: Show your support for increase to Newstart8 May 2013Family payments need ‘overhaul’ but not by failing those most in need7 May 2013ACOSS applauds the putting aside of politics for worthy NDIS2 May 2013Prominent Australians support increase to Newstart in May Budget30 April 2013Lack of affordable housing report highlights desperate plight of people surviving on Newstart29 April 2013Raising Newstart for the first time in 20 years a legacy for 43rd Parliament: ACOSS19 April 2013NSW Government must reverse cuts to crucial Welfare Rights service18 April 2013ACOSS welcomes BCA call for long term plan and strong relationship with community sector17 April 2013People at heightened risk because community groups overlooked in disaster management11 April 2013Super industry flexes its muscle at expense of ordinary people: ACOSS5 April 2013Stop the piecemeal changes to make much-needed and lasting Superannuation reform28 March 2013ACOSS National Conference Newstart Resolution26 March 2013United call for Newstart increase at ACOSS National Conference25 March 2013Wake up call for the nation: More than 620, 000 people with disability living in poverty22 March 2013Evidence is in: Government must now reverse single parent cuts and lift Newstart21 March 2013Tackle $6 billion in tax loopholes and Budget ‘waste’ to make room for priority programs11 March 2013Not an either-or: Newstart must be lifted7 March 2013UN asks Australian Government to explain violation of single parents’ rights4 March 2013Sydney Mardi Gras: Reminder that much still needs to be done to end discrimination2 March 2013New National Commissioner a major step in safety of children: ACOSS25 February 2013Putting improved social outcomes at the heart of economic policy debates25 February 2013National ACOSS Board congratulates passing of historic Act of Aboriginal Recognition15 February 2013Increase in payments is ‘affordable’ and urgent to reduce poverty and unemployment in Australia12 February 2013Small bonus a good start, but bipartisanship needed to raise Newstart6 February 2013Turn bipartisan concern for low Newstart into action for an increase12 January 2013No happy New Year for people hit by benefit changes1 January 2013New Year must bring a better safety net for single parents and people looking for work21 December 2012Roundtable begins search for ways to improve job opportunities for disadvantaged groups21 December 2012Letting go of fixed Budget surplus commitment is the right thing to do: ACOSS20 December 2012OECD joins growing call for increase in Newstart Allowance11 December 2012Better dental care is in the States’ hands7 December 2012ACOSS welcomes COAG’s plan, and calls for swift action on independent consumer body7 December 2012$4.8m cuts will severely hurt vulnerable children and families in the NT6 December 2012Focus on real drivers of energy price rises and consumer protection: ACOSS4 December 2012Joint Statement on ACOSS, ACTU and BCA Cooperation3 December 2012Senate report adds voice to calls for urgent increase in Newstart Allowance29 November 2012Community sector response to Senate Inquiry report on Newstart Allowance28 November 2012Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers reaches a new low22 November 2012Federal homelessness commitment welcomed, now states and territories must come on board14 November 2012Census figures a wake-up call for action on affordable housing crisis leading to homelessness12 November 2012Consumer interests strengthened in electricity pricing report2 November 2012ACOSS welcomes landmark step towards nationally consistent regulation for charities1 November 2012National community sector meeting calls for certainty on homelessness funding30 October 2012Radical redesign coupled with increase in low payments needed for broken employment services30 October 2012Budget cuts needed to clear the decks for NDIS, dental care and other priorities22 October 2012One in eight people living in poverty in Australia: new report13 October 2012Major report to reveal poverty is too high in Australia12 October 2012No Budget surplus on the back of single parents and their children!8 October 2012Welfare groups and human rights lawyers appeal to UN to prevent damaging sole parent payment cuts5 October 2012Mind the Gap: People on Newstart falling further behind20 September 2012Community sector applauds proposal to legislate to ban gag-clauses19 September 2012Community sector directors ‘overwhelmingly’ back Not For Profit regulator17 September 2012Community Sector supports NFP regulator and wants legislation ‘strengthened’13 September 2012First-ever Gender Audit shows Community Sector leading the way in leadership roles for women12 September 2012Newstart comparisons ‘misleading’10 September 2012ACOSS applauds major reform to nationally coordinated dental care29 August 2012New report further proof that Newstart and other Allowances must be lifted27 August 2012National Anti-Racism Strategy a call to action for us all24 August 2012Committee report a chance to scrap cuts to single parent payments23 August 2012Lift the 18-year freeze on Newstart payments: ACOSS call to Senate inquiry22 August 2012National ACOSS Board condemns return to offshore processing with risk of indefinite detention17 August 2012Economics Committee report welcome, now on to 1 October16 August 2012Nation’s legal services reaching homeless service crisis levels: ACOSS Report13 August 2012ACOSS and CHOICE call for States to come on board national consumer energy reforms9 August 2012Wrong way, go back: Communities seek a change of direction on income management29 June 2012Impact of climate change on Australia’s social services: First ever national survey26 June 2012ACOSS applauds Senate inquiry into adequacy of income support payments26 June 2012Groups applaud Queensland Government’s move to pull out of punitive and wasteful truants scheme18 June 2012Ground breaking new policy on charities released15 June 2012The challenge is finding common ground on growing the economy while reducing inequality12 June 2012ACOSS welcomes Government’s nominee to head Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission6 June 2012Solar hot water a welcome plus for low income households6 June 2012ACOSS urges parliamentarians to reject legislation cutting payments for single parent families31 May 2012ACOSS urges Government to rethink cuts to sole parents and to lift Allowances21 May 2012ACOSS urges Parliament to stop cuts to sole parents10 May 2012Robin Hood comes good, except for single parent families8 May 2012Budget surplus should not be built on backs of Australia’s poorest families and their children4 May 2012ACOSS welcomes NDIS announcement as long overdue30 April 2012ACOSS welcomes roll back of Super tax breaks for very high income earners as step in right direction28 April 2012ACOSS Report identifies $8b in Budget savings26 April 2012Further evidence time has come to increase low paying income support payments23 April 2012ACOSS thanks Senator for raising awareness of low paying Newstart Allowance21 April 2012ACOSS calls for responsible debate about social security19 April 2012ACOSS applauds Senator living on Newstart to raise awareness13 April 2012States’ moves on climate bad for jobs, families and environment13 April 2012Rising poverty in Australia the focus of this week’s ACOSS Annual Conference27 March 2012Don’t extend a flawed and uproven NT Intervention model15 March 2012Wayne Swan kick-starts national debate about ‘fair’ sharing of nation’s wealth @ACOSS Conf’ce9 March 2012Fair-Go should be extended to people on income support who are living in poverty5 March 2012National debate about ‘fair’ sharing of Australia’s wealth long overdue2 March 2012ACOSS welcomes extension for Charities and NFP Commission1 March 2012National Coalition Calls for Housing Ministry at Cabinet Level to be Retained29 February 2012ACOSS hails means testing of private health insurance rebate15 February 2012Apology anniversary: Much good will and hard work, so much more to be done13 February 2012Investments in energy efficiency will benefit low income households and social services9 February 2012Community sector welcomes Equal Pay case decision1 February 2012Community sector support for constitutional reform recognising rights of Australia’s First Peoples19 January 2012Federal Budget 2012: cut wasteful expenditure, not support for the most needy11 January 2012New Year heralds good and bad news for low income Australians30 December 2011MYEFO hits some targets and misses others: ACOSS29 November 2011Opportunity to cut wasteful tax breaks and poorly targeted spending to balance the Budget: ACOSS28 November 2011Cooperation not intervention: a call for a new direction in the Northern Territory23 November 2011ACOSS calls for fairer tax breaks to be linked to rise in super contributions22 November 201185% women but are they equally represented at the top? New Gender Audit18 November 2011Carbon price smaller than predicted as households reach for new online calculator13 November 2011Equal Pay agreement an historic next step towards fair pay for community sector10 November 2011Community sector welcomes passage of Clean Energy Future Package8 November 2011Positive pathway to asylum seeker policy31 October 2011It’s time to raise Newstart to tackle growing inequality in Australia: ACOSS Poverty Report21 October 2011Clean Energy Future bill an historic opportunity12 October 2011ACOSS calls for clear agenda on tax and transfer reform6 October 2011Tax Forum must unite the community around common problems, not divide it over old debates3 October 2011Forum a chance for tax reform the community can support30 September 2011ACOSS welcomes expert panel on social housing28 September 2011People on lowest payments in the worst financial stress19 September 2011Time for more light and less heat on energy bills13 September 2011Community sector welcomes Clean Energy Future package13 September 2011Onshore processing: affordable and effective solution for asylum seekers12 September 2011Latest report on Indigenous disadvantage mirrors ACOSS findings25 August 2011Community sector unable to keep up with demand for services: ACOSS Report15 August 2011Pricing carbon pollution will deliver benefits for Queensland10 August 2011DSP changes must include increase in unemployment benefit30 July 2011Tax forum an opportunity for long overdue reform of Australia’s tax and transfer system28 July 2011ACOSS welcomes agreement on carbon price mechanism10 July 2011ACOSS hails Commonwealth commitment to help community sector with equal pay6 July 2011ACOSS welcomes Government announcements furthering reforms in Non-Profit sector4 July 2011ACOSS calls for boldness in response to climate change27 June 2011ACOSS welcomes Garnaut review but wants household assistance to be fair and equitable31 May 2011ACOSS urges support for means testing of private health insurance rebate30 May 2011ACOSS supports carbon pollution campaign30 May 2011Equal pay decision validates claim of underpaid community workers: ACOSS16 May 2011Federal Budget takes as much as it gives10 May 2011Necessary foundations for Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy6 May 2011Young mums need support, not a ‘crackdown’5 May 2011Community sector calls urgent national meeting as budget concerns about ‘welfare reform’ grow28 April 2011Clamp down on tax breaks and poorly targeted spending, not essential social programs in Budget20 April 2011Household compensation: direct cash assistance based on essential expenditure not income18 April 2011Government and employers must do more to help people who are looking for paid work14 April 2011ACOSS wants housing affordability on tax reform forum agenda14 April 2011ACOSS welcomes assurances on carbon price compensation13 April 2011Australians agree: It’s time to support equal pay for community sector workers12 April 2011Clamp-down on trusts and other tax shelters could raise $2.5 billion per year: ACOSS7 April 2011Punitive measures are costly and don’t work: ACOSS31 March 2011Inequality is growing in Australia: ACOSS27 March 2011Tax Forum a platform for long-term reform of Australia’s tax and social security system21 March 2011Invest in case management for long-term unemployed, not ‘wasteful’ income quarantining: ACOSS10 March 2011What a special way to mark 100 years of International Women’s Day – commit to funding equal pay!8 March 2011More than 600,000 unemployed Australians risk falling further into poverty5 March 2011ACOSS welcomes consultative process on equal pay for community sector workers4 March 2011Community sector urges politicians to unite to find the right solution to reducing carbon pollution25 February 2011ACOSS welcomes first steps towards price on carbon pollution24 February 2011ACOSS calls for action to deal with rising energy prices21 February 2011ACOSS applauds Government restoration of National Rental Affordability Scheme17 February 2011Oral and mental health the missing link in health agreement: ACOSS14 February 2011ACOSS rejects calls for cuts to welfare payments to pay for flood reconstruction14 February 2011Amend Family Tax Benefit so disadvantaged youth don’t miss out: ACOSS11 February 2011Alliance urges Government rethink of cuts to National Rental Affordability Scheme8 February 2011ACOSS urges Parliament to pass flood levy7 February 2011ACOSS welcomes ‘win win’ focus on workforce participation2 February 2011ACOSS welcomes equal pay hearings as opportunity to hear voice of undervalued community workers31 January 2011ACOSS supports floods levy but questions proposed spending cuts27 January 2011ACOSS welcomes next steps in sector reform15 December 2010ACOSS calls for national commitment to tackle growing inequality in Australia10 December 2010ACOSS welcomes High Court ruling on Aid/Watch as charitable1 December 2010Social Inclusion Week chance for Government to commit to equal pay for low paid workers22 November 2010Government backtracks on equal pay for low paid female workers19 November 2010Peak community body supports calls for overhaul of NT intervention17 November 2010OECD unprecedented call for Australia to increase unemployment benefits payments15 November 2010Community Sector urges political consensus on Indigenous recognition in Constitution12 November 2010ACOSS report on the causes of poverty22 October 2010Expressions of interest: advise on key reforms21 October 2010From extreme weather to a carbon price: Are our most vulnerable people and communities prepared?12 October 2010ACOSS welcomes report of Prime Minister’s Taskgroup on Energy Efficiency8 October 2010ACOSS WELCOMES RELEASE OF GUIDE TO MURRAY-DARLING PLAN8 October 2010MURRAY-DARLING COMMUNITIES NEED ASSISTANCE TO PLAN FOR NEW FUTURES8 October 2010No such thing as a free call for millions of mobile phone users20 September 2010NEW GOVERNMENT PROVIDES UNIQUE CHANCE FOR A MORE FAIR AND EQUITABLE AUSTRALIA7 September 2010Improved Dental Requires Bipartisan Commitment2 September 2010Civil society statement on a credible plan on pollution and climate change1 September 2010Time Running out for an Election Focus on Affordable Housing17 August 2010Bonus For Jobless Australians Will Give Financial Relief But Won’t Increase Job Offers17 August 2010National Oral Health Alliance seeks commitment to a 5-step plan to save decaying dental care13 August 2010Relocation Assistance Welcome But New Penalties Would Create Hardship11 August 2010Non-Profit Reforms to Help Community Sector get on with Vital Work of Helping Australians9 August 2010300 Community Organisations Seek Help To Keep Vital Services Operating7 August 2010FEDERAL ELECTION HAS SO FAR IGNORED TEENAGERS WITHOUT WORK6 August 2010Housing affordability should be centre of election agenda : ACOSS launches election platform4 August 2010Job Assistance for Older Workers is a Good Plan and Should be Extended4 August 2010Helping Hand to Assist Families with the Cost of Teenagers2 August 2010Stop the Rot: Launch of New Oral Health Campaign29 July 2010Call for a Cross-Party Commitment to Help Homeless Australians21 July 2010Election Should be a Contest for a Fairer Australia19 July 2010Green Start Scheme to Help Low-Income Households Save Energy8 July 2010Government urged to stay the course on financial advice reform5 July 2010Blanket Welfare Reforms Gamble with Disadvantaged Communities22 June 2010Income Management Net Widened17 June 2010Australia needs a robust tax system with fair and efficient taxation of mining super profits14 June 2010Welcome Drop in Unemployment Rate, but Long-Term Jobseekers Still Struggling11 June 2010Campaign Kicks Off to Support Equal Pay for Community Workers8 June 2010Welcome Boost for Lowest Paid Workers3 June 2010ACOSS Appoints New Chief Executive Officer2 June 2010New pilot program to help long-term job-seekers welcomed25 May 2010Pathway to surplus and investment in primary healthcare welcomed but not enough help for unemployed12 May 2010ACOSS calls on Government to help unemployed Australians in federal budget10 May 2010Low-Income Renters need a Helping Hand in Tuesday’s Budget7 May 2010Time for a new National Regulator for Non-Profit Organisations5 May 2010A Fairer Tax System: Some important steps but further to go2 May 2010What will the Henry Report mean for Low-Income Australians?30 April 2010Further CPRS Delay too costly for Jobs; Environment; Global Action28 April 201010 Points to Watch out for in the Henry Tax Review28 April 2010Call For Henry to Overhaul Income Support and Introduce one Payment Rate15 April 2010ACOSS Welcomes PM’s Energy Efficiency Initiative30 March 2010Budget is Time to give Australians Looking for Work a Hand24 March 2010President Obama delays trip, but ACOSS Conference still coming to Canberra!19 March 2010New National Compact to Bolster Third Sector and Government Ties17 March 2010Clare Martin, Address to the 2010 Dame Roma Mitchell Memorial Lunch11 March 2010INCOME MANAGEMENT TO BRING BACK RATIONS SYSTEM11 March 2010Income Management Scheme to Penalise Low-Income Australians26 February 2010Homelessness Targets Should be a Cross-Party Priority16 February 2010Community services : A crucial lifeline for Australians in the downturn15 February 2010ACOSS Welcomes Proposals to Strengthen Not-For Profit Sector11 February 2010Weekly Centrelink payments will help homeless Australians10 February 2010Medicare-Levy to help pay for Ageing Population : ACOSS1 February 2010Compulsory Income Management Scheme Wasteful and Discriminatory22 December 2009Climate laws urgently needed Australian jobs and environment stall as world moves forward3 December 2009Rollout of Blanket Income Management Unfair and Un-Australian25 November 2009Time to Get Started on Climate Action25 November 2009ACOSS Welcomes New Initiative to Green-Up Low Income Households25 November 2009Time to Maximise Momentum to Improve Support for People with Disability23 November 2009How much does it cost to raise a teenager? Family payments don’t add up19 November 2009Plug Tax Loopholes so all Pay Fair Share : Challenge to Henry Review15 November 2009Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer4 November 2009Strong, Fair Leadership on Asylum Seeker Issue is Overdue29 October 2009Emissions trading amendments should be rejected unless substantially changed18 October 2009Draft Reforms Lift Barriers so Non-Profit Services can get on with Providing Vital Assistance14 October 2009Membership and donations9 October 2009Human rights report paves way for better protections for marginalised Australians8 October 2009Dip in Unemployment Gives Hope8 October 2009No time to move backwards on CPRS4 October 2009Stimulus Shields Australian Economy, but not in Recovery until Unemployment falls22 September 2009Rising Numbers of Jobless Australians Living On $32 / Day Need Payment Boost10 September 2009ACOSS Calls on Government to Invest in Affordable Housing for the Long Term28 August 2009National Clean Energy Jobs Campaign Steps Up a Gear14 August 2009CPRS Verdict Misses an Opportunity to Build a Clean Energy Future14 August 2009“Dinosaurs†Urged to Evolve and Support Clean Energy Jobs9 August 2009Call for decisive climate leadership to unleash clean energy jobs6 August 2009Report highlights barriers faced by people with disabilities6 August 2009Lowest paid workers miss out on wage increase7 July 2009Where is The Road Home? Fears homelessness strategy has stalled1 July 2009Flexibility Needed in Job Services Start-Up to Avoid Unfair Penalties30 June 2009Appeal to Lift Living Standards of Sole Parent Pensioners19 June 2009Ramp up Help for Long Term Jobseekers11 June 2009Community Services Forced to Turn Away Needy: Survey4 June 2009Downturn Leads to Spike in Homelessness28 May 2009Mind the Gap: Report on Growing Inequity in Income Support12 May 2009Budget Targeted for Job Creation but Bypasses Most Disadvantaged12 May 2009Time to Cut Fat and Target Federal Budget to Those in Need6 May 2009Flexibility Key to Learn or Earn Compact1 May 2009Charities Report Sole Parents and Unemployed in Urgent Financial Need28 April 2009ACOSS Concerned About Job Network Overhaul1 April 2009Don’t Forget Sole Parent Families in Pension Increase26 March 2009Fairer Penalty Regime For Jobless, But Risks Remain12 March 2009Plan Now To Help Long-Term Jobless12 March 2009Lift Payments For Single Pensioners and Unemployed in Budget2 March 2009Assistance for Newly Retrenched Workers Welcomed24 February 2009Win for Social Infrastructure and Jobs13 February 2009ACOSS Urges Senators to Pass Stimulus Package Today8 February 2009Nation Building Plan Welcome but more Assistance for Jobless Needed3 February 2009ACOSS: Invest in Social Infrastructure to Kick Start Economy2 February 2009Five Point Economic Stimulus Plan to Tackle Surge in Unemployment19 January 2009Increase Allowance for Jobless by $30pw15 January 2009Praise for Government’s Homelessness Strategy21 December 2008Bradley Review to aid struggling students17 December 2008Emissions plan should protect disadvantaged15 December 2008Emissions Target Falls Short but ACOSS Welcomes Household Cash Compensation15 December 2008Low income Australians are doing it tough8 December 2008ACOSS welcomes report on charity regulation5 December 2008ACOSS Welcomes COAG Funding for Vital Services3 December 2008Affordable housing needs Government leadership now27 November 2008Climate Institute’s Bold Energy Efficiency Plan10 November 2008Genuine tax reform : a simpler and broader system27 October 2008Stimulus package: Unemployed people miss out14 October 2008Social security system needs overhaul, not just a quick fix29 September 2008Historic opportunity for public and community housing24 September 2008Income Management not the Solution to Poor School Attendance25 August 2008Government Review Should Ease Hardship and Modernise Social Security12 August 2008New Child Support Rules Deepen Poverty for 160,000 Sole Parent Families11 August 2008Review of the Tax and Transfer Systems8 August 2008ACOSS Welcomes Employment Services Reforms and Calls for More Investment in Long Term Unemployed4 August 2008ACOSS Congratulates the Government on Removing Work Barrier for Disability Support Pensioners21 July 2008ACOSS Welcomes Minimum Wage Decision8 July 2008New Powerful Alliance to Drive Tough and Fair Solutions6 July 2008ACOSS Welcomes the Government’s Action on Family Tax Benefits for Charity Workers20 June 2008National Survey Shows Increase in Demand for Services6 June 2008Federal Budget Down-Payment on Social Inclusion14 May 2008Down Payment on Social Inclusion Should not be Eroded by Budget Spending Cuts12 May 2008Majority of Australians want the Government to Curb Payments to High Income Earners23 April 2008ACOSS Welcomes the Prime Minister’s New Direction for Children’s Services17 April 2008ACOSS and Members Welcome Social Inclusion Commitment10 April 2008ACOSS welcomes compact with Federal Government9 April 200884% of Australians Believe Rich-Poor Gap is Growing8 April 2008ACOSS Welcomes Opportunity to Provide Input to the Workplace Relations Legislation20 February 2008Update on the Numbers of People Living in Poverty6 November 2007Response to Utilities Allowance Annoucement1 November 2007Australia needs a Plan to Ensure a Fair Go for All5 October 2007Australia Fair report: Australia Slipping behind other Rich Nations30 August 2007Legislation Misses Mark to Effectively Protect Children16 August 2007Affordable Rental Incentives an Important part of National Plan13 August 2007Civil Society Organisations Call for Legislation to be Delayed7 August 2007Australia Fair: Dental Care out of Reach for Millions3 August 2007Australia Needs a National Strategy to Tackle Housing Affordability26 July 2007ACOSS Responds to Fair Pay Commission Decision5 July 2007Statement on Intervention in the NT27 June 2007