The 2026-27 ACT Budget will deliver further targeted support helping Canberrans as they face real cost of living pressures.
For many vulnerable Canberrans, rising costs are putting them under real pressure. This Budget will provide practical and targeted support with further funding for a range of essential supports and the establishment of a new Housing Crisis Support Fund to help low-income households experiencing rental stress.
Strengthening food relief is central to ensuring vulnerable members of our community can get the help they need, when they need it. That's why, the Government will provide additional funding for food relief services to support increased demand, including pressures from fuel supply disruptions and broader economic impacts. This will help keep supplies steady and ensure that support is there for the families turning to these services.
It's an investment that builds on the strong partnership between the ACT Government and the community sector, with food relief providers working at the frontline to support Canberrans experiencing hardship.
The Government is also continuing to strengthen emergency assistance through its Emergency Material and Financial Aid (EMFA) scheme, ensuring people can access timely, flexible support when facing acute financial pressure.
This includes investment to address financial pressures on EMFA providers in the community sector and funding to support Canberrans experiencing financial pressure due to ongoing fuel supply disruptions and associated economic impacts.
A new $5.2 million Housing Crisis Support Fund will also provide targeted assistance to low-income households experiencing rental stress, helping people stay in safe and stable accommodation. The Fund includes:
- Direct support for short-term rental costs – grants covering up to four weeks' rent (capped at $2,500) to help people stay in safe, secure and stable housing during periods of financial difficulty.
- A new $250 Crisis Support Payment to assist with essential household expenses such as utilities, insurance, and basic furnishings.
The Fund is expected to support over 3,300 Canberrans through crisis support payments and rental subsidies, helping more people stay in safe and stable housing.
The Budget provides further funding to support the expansion of the Education Equity Fund with an additional $977,000. In 2025 over 6,200 eligible students were supported with one-off payments for school-related costs like uniforms, books, excursions and extracurricular activities, reducing cost barriers for families and ensuring all students can fully participate in school life.
These investments build on the large number of supports offered by the ACT Government to Canberra households. Around 40,000 individuals each year receive ongoing help with utility costs through the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate, which is permanently increased to $800 a year.
These investments are all part of a $7.4 million package of new funding in this year's Budget.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"The measures in this Budget reflect our clear focus on delivering practical support where it matters most.
"Food security, stable housing, and access to education and essential services are fundamental to the wellbeing of our community. And they are priorities we will always invest in.
"At a time when many are doing it tough, we want the community, particularly the Canberrans experiencing hardship, to know we're focused on providing real, practical support to help people get through difficult times."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry:
"The Education Equity Fund eases financial pressures on families, so students don't miss out on school experiences such as excursions, sports activities, and music lessons.
"There are Canberrans doing it tough with cost of living pressures, and the Education Equity Fund can help families right now."
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Chris Steel:
"This Budget focuses on practical, targeted cost of living relief to help Canberrans, whether that's food relief, school supplies or access to housing.
"These measures are about easing pressure and supporting those who need it most through challenging economic conditions."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr:
"Community organisations are on the frontline of supporting Canberrans through rising cost of living pressures, and we're backing them to continue that vital work. By strengthening food relief and emergency assistance, this Budget ensures people can access the essentials they need, when they need them, with dignity and respect."
