Catholic Social Services Australia met with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr last week to strengthen collaboration in supporting the territory’s most vulnerable people.
CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles and director of policy and advocacy Carmel Sefian attended the meeting on Thursday with Mr Barr and the director-general of the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate Kareena Arthy and senior government officials.
The meeting, held at the ACT Legislative Assembly, focused on shared priorities including affordable housing, cost-of-living pressures and sustainable funding for the social services sector.
Dr Nockles praised the ACT Government’s leadership on key social issues.
“We had a constructive and collaborative conversation with Chief Minister Barr about how we can work together more effectively to support vulnerable Canberrans,” Dr Nockles said.
“I’m optimistic about building an ongoing, productive relationship built on our shared commitment to the common good.”
Ms Sefian said the ACT Government was “making significant advances on critical issues like providing cost-of-living relief for those doing it tough and increasing social and affordable housing as part of its commitment to build 30,000 more homes in the territory by 2030”.
“We particularly welcome the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to social and affordable housing targets as part of its broader Housing Strategy,” she said.
CSSA highlighted the vital work of its member agency, Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn, which has been serving the ACT and surrounding regions for over 60 years.
“We are immensely proud of Marymead CatholicCare and CEO Anne Kirwan’s leadership,” Dr Nockles said.
“Marymead CatholicCare works hand-in-hand with the ACT Government and community partners to deliver vital services to over 20,000 people across the territory and beyond.
“Their work in out-of-home care, mental health support, disability services, homelessness support and a range of other social services is truly transformational.”
The meeting also addressed growing pressures on the social services sector, with the ACT Council of Social Service highlighting that 83 per cent of ACT community organisations reported increased demand in 2024, driven primarily by cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability challenges, and increased need for mental health support.
“Whilst we recognise and support the importance of fiscal discipline, the ACT’s most vulnerable people cannot be the shock absorbers for budget constraints,” Dr Nockles said.
“Our community organisations are stretched thin, and we need sustainable, reliable, and multi-year funding that reflects the true cost of delivering quality care.”
FULL STORY
CSSA meets with ACT Government to strengthen support for vulnerable communities (CSSA)
