The 2010-11 ACT Budget commits an additional $19.15 million over four years to support Canberra’s most vulnerable, ACT Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services Joy Burch told the community sector today.
Addressing the ACT Council of Social Service Community Sector Budget forum today, Ms Burch said the Budget reflected the ACT Government’s ongoing investment in the community sector and support of vulnerable members of the Canberra community.
“Homeless families and individuals will benefit from a $2.5 million investment towards the construction of 20 new homes, as well as the expansion of a service that provides food, showers, laundry facilities and access to support services,” Ms Burch said.
The Budget also increases support for women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault by providing $1.266 million in new funding to assist the work of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre.
The carers sector will receive $ 2.164 million over four years that will go towards establishing a Carers Advocacy Service and to continue the Older Carers Respite Program. In addition, the Budget commits $425,000 over four years to provide for a community sector-based Autism Coordinator to support families who have a child with autism or suspected autism.
Ms Burch said the ACT Government recognised the vital role the community sector played in the provision of services to Canberra’s vulnerable, and would continue to support the sector through the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services.
Key items in the 2010-11 Budget for DHCS include:
- $5.6 million for the Out of Home Care sector to support vulnerable children and youths
- $4 million for the refurbishment of the former Flynn school site to establish a child care centre
- $2.5 million towards the construction of 20 homes under the A Place to Call Home program
- $1.266 million for the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre and the Domestic Violence Crisis Service
- $750,000 for the refurbishment of the Uniting Church of Canberra’s Pilgrim House in Civic
- $1.825 million to increase the Energy Concession for low-income households by 10 per cent
- $31.162 million to provide eight enlarged car parks at regional community facilities, as well as ramps and building facades to improve disability access
