YWCA Canberra has today released its election platform for the forthcoming ACT Election.
In launching the list of priorities YWCA Canberra CEO, Frances Crimmins said “We use this election to reiterate long-standing priorities for the Canberra community and call for the future ACT Government to commit to addressing the following: safe, secure and affordable housing, cost of living relief, a life free of violence for women and children, access to early education for vulnerable children and better investment in children, youth and family services.
- Safe, Secure, and Affordable Housing
YWCA Canberra calls for urgent action to improve land affordability for Community Housing Providers and increase public housing targets to match demand and population growth. To address housing shortages YWCA Canberra calls on the future government to encourage partnerships with Community Housing Providers to increase supply of social housing.
- Cost of Living Relief
YWCA Canberra urges a review of government debt collection strategies and administrative charges. Additionally, long-term funding is needed for welfare services offering financial counselling and emergency relief, crucial to supporting vulnerable individuals facing financial hardship in Canberra.
- A Life Free from Violence
YWCA Canberra supports the criminalisation of coercive control and the creation of a specialised sexual assault court list to improve access to justice for victims of sexual assault. The Election Platform also continues our strong advocacy for sustainable funding for the domestic and family violence sector.
- Securing the Best Start to Life: Early Learning
For many children, a strong foundation with access to quality early education can be a critical component towards a thriving and healthy childhood development. YWCA Canberra calls for adequate resourcing of emergency placements in early education, including extending placements to primary school-aged children.
- Support for Children, Youth, and Families
Sustainably fund youth, therapeutic counselling, community development, and support services to align with population growth and youth policy reforms. We urge the incoming government to guarantee the continuation of funding for Network Coordination services.
“despite significant positive changes in the economic and social landscape offering women more opportunities, choices, and prosperity, we must be vigilant to the gendered impacts of violence, poverty, and housing supply shortages. These are not intractable problems. Public policy and decision-making lie at the heart of resolving all these issues. We urge all election candidates to consider these priorities and work with us to address them when in government.”
– Frances Crimmins, CEO YWCA Canberra
To read YWCA Canberra’s election platform visit:
Media contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy Engagement
Eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101