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Media & Media Releases
ACT government first Australian jurisdiction to commit to raise criminal age of responsibility
An ACT Labor-Greens government will prioritise raising the age of criminal responsibility in the next parliamentary term. Advocates have labelled the move a historic step in their fight for a nationwide change to the law which currently allows children as young as 10 to be locked-up, and hope others will follow suit.
Nation-leading commitment to #RaiseTheAge
ACT Community Sector congratulate Labor-Greens Government on their nation-leading commitment to #RaiseTheAge A coalition of over 20 service delivery, human rights, legal and representative organisations in the ACT have welcomed the new ACT Labor-Greens’ Parliamentary Agreement commitment to Raise the Age of criminal responsibility and keep extremely young children out of prison. This commitment is the first of its kind
Homeless children in Canberra to benefit from ACT Government crisis accommodation funding
It is a relief for youth workers on the frontline trying to help broken families and desperate children, with limited options and resources. “I feel like for the last year I have been pouring my heart out,” said the Youth Coalition of the ACT’s executive director, Justin Barker. “There were times when I’d come back to the office and I
‘Woefully lacking’: Mother forced to travel to regional NSW for child’s mental health treatment
A Canberra mother has labelled ACT’s youth mental health services as “woefully lacking”, saying she was forced to travel to regional NSW to find a psychiatrist to treat her child. Rachael, who asked to only be referred to by her first name, said another one of her children had been turned away from Canberra Hospital after waiting for hours for
Innovative youth and family services recognised in ACT awards
Youth workers across the ACT are committed to working to build young people up to see their potential and enable them to have a voice in our community. The Youth Coalition of the ACT’s 16th annual Yogie Awards recognised and celebrated outstanding practice in the youth sector. Awards were presented in eight categories that recognise the work of groups and
Canberra’s support services warn of COVID-19’s long term social consequences
Canberra’s social services are warning that the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will be long-term, and that governments must factor in the need for ongoing funding if frontline organisations are to meet the need. Organisations like the Conflict Resolution, Lifeline Canberra and Youth Coalition of the ACT (the peak body for multiple youth support services) are all reporting a spike
