The ACT Government is securing a strong and responsive community sector, focused on supporting areas of critical need and frontline services as part of a significant funding commitment across Canberra.

This investment reinforces the Government’s commitment to support a sustainable community services sector that is targeted and focused on areas of the highest need, including responding to domestic, family and sexual violence, homelessness, emergency relief and inclusivity for all Canberrans.

This investment of $58.8 million in new funding to the sector ensures organisations have the confidence to plan into the future, grow and retain their staff and provide high-quality services and care to the community.

This includes:

• $23.7 million in permanent uplift to the community sector that supports a responsive and evolving service system and focuses on areas of greatest need. This will provide organisations that need it most with direct new funding. This funding builds on the previously announced community sector funding boost provided in 2025-26 and supports the sector respond to the changing needs of the Canberra community.
• $14.8 million in ongoing funding for community legal assistance organisations and other justice support, recognising sustained growth in demand and providing certainty to these organisations about their capacity to support Canberra’s most vulnerable people.
• Legal Aid ACT will receive $2.15 million to boost capacity and assist in responding to rising demand.
• $15.4 million in expanded and new funding to support more homelessness services, sustaining their long-term viability and responding to increased demand, this includes $2.3 million for Samaritan House, $1.4 million for Blue Door, and $2.1 million for RoadHouse.
• $894,000 in continued and expanded funding to support services and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ Canberrans, including dedicated services for LGBTQIA+ parents and their children.
• $100,000 in new funding to support Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT deliver essential sexual and reproductive health services in 2026-27.

The Government is focused on supporting lasting reform that ensures the community sector is supported to deliver the important frontline services that Canberrans rely on. As part of this funding, the Government is working to ensure that our investments are responsive to the areas that have the greatest need and provide meaningful impact.

This year’s Budget provides funding across the legal sector, recognising the interdependence of the ACT justice system and that the effectiveness of each part relies on the adequate resourcing of the others.

Permanent investment in the community legal sector will give organisations the certainty to plan ahead, retain staff, and deliver consistent services. Like the DPP, Legal Aid ACT is responding to rising demand, increasing complexity, and a significantly larger remand caseload, and so this Budget also funds a review of Legal Aid’s funding and operations, which will directly inform future budget decisions.

The Government will also progress reforms across Government and with other jurisdictions to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable people, with investment in worker screening reforms, improved information sharing, and a review of the Working with Vulnerable People scheme to ensure it remains robust and fit for purpose.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr: 

“This Budget investment continues our focus on reducing disadvantage by strengthening the community services that many Canberrans rely on. It supports our broader goal of improving wellbeing, with a focus on inclusion, participation and better access to support.”

Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Chris Steel: 

“The Budget responds to the needs of the community sector with funding certainty, giving them confidence they can continue to deliver essential frontline services and support into the future.

“Our Government is backing in the services that Canberrans rely on when they are doing it tough.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr:

“Community organisations are on the frontline every day, supporting people when they need it most.

“This Budget ensures they have the resources and certainty to keep delivering those essential services as community needs change.

“This Budget is about making sure no one is left behind – and that the systems supporting Canberrans are strong, sustainable and ready for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry:

“Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and this investment strengthens our response to the growing pressures we’re seeing across the homelessness system. By expanding housing options and backing frontline services, we’re making sure more Canberrans can get the support they need – not just to find housing, but to keep it and rebuild their lives.”

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, Tara Cheyne:

“Legal assistance organisations are often where people turn to when they are facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Providing certainty through ongoing funding means these organisations can spend less time worrying about continuity and more doing what they do best: helping people.”