Frontline workers put the spotlight on poverty in the ACT for Anti-Poverty Week 2025

Frontline workers put the spotlight on poverty in the ACT for Anti-Poverty Week 2025

This week is Anti-Poverty Week, a time to confront the reality that poverty exists here in the ACT, just as it does across Australia. Held each year to spark national and local conversations, it’s an opportunity to recognise where poverty exists, and take action to end it.

In the ACT, frontline community workers say the national figures tell a story they know too well. Through a video launched today by the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn (Vinnies), workers share what poverty looks like in one of Australia’s most unaffordable cities.

Watch the video here: Anti-Poverty Week 2025 - Frontline voices on poverty in the ACT

They describe how a single setback can push a family into crisis, and how Canberrans in poverty are forced to choose between essentials like groceries or rent because their income simply doesn’t stretch far enough. They ask Canberrans to reflect on all that they have and who they would ask for help if it were all at risk.

“Canberra prides itself on equality, opportunity and fairness, yet poverty persists,” said ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Devin Bowles. “The truth is that too many people are one unexpected expense away from crisis. The ACT has shown it can set ambitious goals on issues like climate action; we can show the same determination and deliberate action to eradicate poverty in the ACT.”

Poverty exists in the ACT because social housing is under-supplied, targeted assistance is insufficient, the community sector safety net is under-resourced and some Canberrans are on incomes that are below need. ACTCOSS, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn and partners call on the ACT Government to take these actions to address poverty in the Territory:

• Expand the proportion of social housing in the ACT
• Improve targeted assistance, ensuring assistance keeps pace with rising costs in real terms
• Increase community sector funding to enable people to access the services they need, when they need them.

“At Vinnies, we see families and individuals coming to us because they cannot afford food, rent or utilities,” said St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn CEO, Lucy Hohnen. “Poverty is a daily reality for many in our community. We urge our local leaders to invest in social housing and appropriately fund community services so everyone can live with dignity.”

“Our call for action extends to the Federal Government, which must address the long-standing inadequacy of income support,” said Dr Bowles. “Raising the lowest payments and related supports to at least $589 a week would give around a million Australians the means to cover essentials like food and medicine.”

Quotes attributed to:

Aoife Berrenger, Acting CEO, Care Financial Services

“This past year at Care clients have been mostly affected by rising living costs and financial worries. The most prevalent issues for those presenting at Care are housing insecurity and utility stress. Care’s efforts in all our programs help clients improve their financial circumstances and overall well-being. Helping people quickly is important, but we cannot do this without the right resources and funding. Care welcomes and encourages measures that support those struggling to keep a roof over their heads, be able to feed their family and to have every opportunity to have an adequate standard of living.”

Anne Kirwan, CEO, Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn

“Every day in Australia, around 3.7 million people live in poverty. These individuals and families face impossible choices; often between putting food on the table, paying bills, or securing safe housing. Single-parent families and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable to income insecurity. At Marymead CatholicCare, we deliver vital services in ways that ease financial pressure, ensuring everyone can access support without added disadvantage. We are committed to addressing the impacts of poverty through strong partnerships with government and the generosity of our community, made possible through donations and fundraising. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — free from the stigma of poverty.”

Michael Lynch, CEO, UnitingCare Kippax

“Right now, the demand for our Emergency Material and Financial Aid services is higher than ever, with more Canberran families relying on us to stay afloat through rising costs and mounting financial pressures. At UnitingCare Kippax, we exist to walk alongside people facing significant life changes or challenges, offering wraparound, holistic support that addresses the realities they experience every day. For over a decade, we have been creating spaces that welcome and include all who want to participate in community life, helping locals not only meet their basic needs but also find connection and dignity. We urgently need to ensure the right resources are available so we can continue to deliver this vital safety net to those who need it most.”

ACTCOSS advocates for social justice in the ACT and represents not-for-profit community organisations. Follow us @ACTCOSS on X, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information or comment, please contact

Dr Devin Bowles, CEO, ACTCOSS, on 0413 435 080

Emma Kirkaldy, Head of Fundraising and Marketing, St Vincent De Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, on 0406 025 771

Aoife Berenger, Acting CEO, Care Financial Counselling Services, on 02 6257 1788

Anne Kirwan, CEO, Marymead Catholiccare Canberra & Goulburn, on 0419 216 491

Michael Lynch, CEO, Unitingcare Kippax, on 0420 516 330