Michelle Barclay puts the case for more community funding ahead of the ACT budget. Photo: Supplied.
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 ACT Budget, the ACT Government has made it clear that tough decisions will be made. I get it, it’s not an easy task, and one I do not envy, with the need to balance priorities, allocate resources and make choices that will shape the lives of all Canberrans.
On top of this, the government is confronted with numerous voices presenting their business cases and competing for consideration.
It’s no surprise then that the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Canberrans are not often heard among all this noise, despite bearing the disproportionate burden of urgent and unmet needs. This is where the community sector plays a crucial role. Their job is not only to provide essential services to this cohort, and all Canberrans, but also to amplify their voice and advocate on their behalf.
The community sector is the backbone of support for our community. It provides essential services to children, young people, families, older people, individuals facing mental health challenges or substance issues, survivors of domestic and family violence, healthcare consumers, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, carers, volunteers – you name it.
Odds are, either you or someone you care about has accessed help from these organisations recently.
But here’s the reality: community services in the ACT are significantly underfunded due to years of systemic neglect. Demand for these services is rising, and with the added pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, community organisations are in the terrible position of having to turn away Canberrans who need their support due to a lack of funding. It’s heartbreaking and, frankly, unacceptable.
Preventative services are not just compassionate; they’re cost-effective. By addressing issues early, whether it’s through mental health support, housing assistance or community-based care, we can prevent more serious and costly crises down the track. Investing upfront in the community sector can reduce pressure on hospitals, emergency services and the justice system, ultimately saving money and improving outcomes for individuals and communities.
I understand the government faces hard decisions about how to allocate funding in the upcoming ACT Budget. Unfortunately, experience here and around the world shows that when budgets are cut, funding for prevention services is often the first to get slashed. This short-sighted approach not only harms people, but also leads to long-term costs blowing out, especially in areas like health.
The community sector provides many of the ACT’s preventative services. We already have strong relationships with many of the most vulnerable Canberrans, so we can efficiently target investment.
This is why over 80 community organisations have united as part of the ACT for Community campaign to advocate for the community sector and the Canberrans to whom we deliver essential services. Now is the time for smarter choices. Investing in the community sector isn’t just about keeping Canberrans healthy and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged; it’s about protecting the ACT Budget from escalating costs down the road. It’s a win-win.
As we gear up for the release of the 2025-26 ACT Budget, we’re shining a light on what the community sector brings to Canberra — its immense value to people, the government and our society. We’re also highlighting the growing demand for our services and the dire impact underfunding is having on everyone, not just our most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
But don’t just take my word for it. Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear directly from community organisations themselves. Their stories will show you why funding the community sector matters – and why supporting local community organisations is supporting all of us.
We hope the government will hear our call. True leadership isn’t about words or promises, but by the choices made in moments of challenge – and the current budget deficit is one such moment. It’s about how we treat our most vulnerable and whether we invest in those who need support the most. Leadership also means recognising that investing in preventative services will pay dividends in future budgets. The question is, will this government listen?
Michelle Barclay is the Head of Sector Development and Engagement at the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS) and lead coordinator of the ACT for Community campaign.
