ACT Shelter Faces Cuts, Threatens Homeless Advocacy

0:00Sydney's story is making news on March 3rd. ACT Shelter, a nonprofit group that's aided homeless folks and low-income earners in Canberra for more than 50 years, now faces serious trouble. After its government funding got cut nearly in half. The organization started back in 1975, with a small team pushing for better tenant voices in housing policy. From 2021 to 2024, it received an average of $380,000 a year, which covered a full-time chief, executive, some staff, and office space. Now down to $192,000 annually, chief executive Corinne Dobson says they've slashed operations to the basics. Without extra funds, they'll lose staff, their office, and the full-time top job. Founders like Kathy Moore and partners such as the St. Vincent DePaul Society stress ACT Shelter's unique role as the territory's main advocate for. The homeless and renters, they warn that weakening it means losing key insights to shaped policies and fight rising homelessness numbers.

1:02The group has asked for an additional $198,000 a year in its 202627 budget pitch. Government officials say their reviewing options is part of upcoming spending plans. The daily news now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Don't you try it? It just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SOLIPILLO.COM.