YWCA Canberra welcomes the release of the ACT Government 2023-2024 Budget with its emphasis on addressing the rising cost of living, housing affordability and availability and support for women’s economic participation and safety.
Cost of living pressures are being felt throughout the community, and those on income support or modest incomes are struggling to afford essential living costs. The Budget extends support to low-income households who are facing escalating living costs by extending the utilities Concession to Commonwealth Health Care Card holders and continuing the Student Equity Fund, which provides direct financial support to low-income families with children in preschool or older. We are also relieved that the Budget provides around $300,000 to address the ongoing concern regarding viability of the food pantry network in the face of escalating costs.
Housing affordability and availability is a longstanding issue in Canberra, which remains one of the most unaffordable cities in Australia to rent for people on low or modest incomes. YWCA Canberra supports the earlier announced investment of $345 million toward housing measures including $55.9 million towards new public housing dwellings.
YWCA Canberra Director of Policy & Advocacy Leah Dwyer said, “for many people who are in housing crisis or already homeless, waiting for these homes to be built and to come online is a luxury they don’t have. We encourage the ACT Government to look for opportunities to increase the spot purchasing or refurbishment of property that can add to supply immediately”.
“Responses to our current survey of Canberra women already indicate that 27% of respondents would struggle to meet one cycle of housing payment if they lost their income. In 2021, when we asked the same question, the response was 15%”, said Ms Dwyer.
YWCA Canberra also welcomes the Budget investment of $9.4 million over four years for a range of ACT domestic, family, and sexual violence frontline services.
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Media contact: Leah Dwyer – 0406 122 35 – Leah.Dwyer@ywca-canberra.org.au