Greens MLA Laura Nuttall will today move a motion calling for a $20 million annual funding increase and greater funding security to community organisations that provide essential services to the Canberra community.
"Everyone knows that we're in a cost of living crisis, but right now the government is failing to support the organisations who help those most in need", said Miss Nuttall.
"So many Canberrans are struggling and need help, and the government leaves it to the community sector to provide this support. But right now this sector simply doesn't get the funding or funding security they need.
"Organisations which provide things like food relief, mental health and homelessness support, family, domestic and sexual violence crisis services and services run by and for women, LGBTIQA+ folks, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a disability are supporting more Canberrans who are increasingly dealing with more complex issues.
"But right now, they're forced to do so with insufficient funding, meaning they often have to choose which key services to cut.
"Too often, community groups are also held back by a lack of funding security. We've heard genuine fear from community organisations who don't know if their contracts will be renewed until the last possible minute.
"Systemic underfunding also has a brutal impact on the workers, who pour their heart and soul into helping people at the toughest point in their lives, and do so without the pay and protections of their peers in the public sector.
"That's why my motion calls on the government to seriously consider providing a $20 million funding boost to the sector every year over the forward estimates. It calls on the government to account for the real costs of delivering these services, to ensure decisions on funding renewal are made at least 6 months in advance, to seek parity between community and public sector workers' protections and to make sure the community sectors' buildings are climate-resilient and disaster-proof.
"While many see Canberra as a wealthy city, the reality is that many are only one missed paycheck or rent or interest hike away from needing to rely on the community sector for help."
