Uniting to Fix Dickson: Why a special Taskforce is the Way Forward

by Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens

Over the past year, the Dickson Shopping Centre has been facing challenges that go far beyond empty shopfronts. Rising homelessness, vacant shops, and deteriorating infrastructure have been taking a toll on the heart of this community hub. For residents, business owners, and visitors alike, these issues are more than inconvenient—they threaten the vitality of a space meant to bring people together.

In March, I moved a motion in the ACT Parliament calling on the government to coordinate a cross-directorate taskforce to tackle these issues and provide long-term solutions. This approach isn’t just about infrastructure or policing—it’s about creating a vibrant, safe, and supportive community where everyone can thrive.

The challenges at Dickson reflect a broader reality across Canberra: the rising cost of living is putting immense pressure on families, young workers, retirees, and small businesses alike. For some, this means juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. For others, it brings the very real risk of homelessness. Family-run businesses struggle to stay afloat, and local residents are seeing the impacts in their daily lives.

What the Dickson community has made clear is that “tough on crime” approaches don’t solve these problems—they often make them worse. Instead, what’s needed is a compassionate, community-driven response that addresses root causes: housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and business sustainability.

In response to these concerns, I wrote to the Chief Minister in February urging a coordinated approach that would bring together relevant government directorates. I’m pleased to report that this proposal was met positively, with a commitment to take action. A collaborative model like this has worked before—in Watson, for example, local residents, government officials, and community organisations came together to tackle safety concerns, struggling businesses, and homelessness. Community barbeques, open discussions, and targeted government engagement proved that when people work together, meaningful change is possible.

The motion I moved builds on this approach and focuses on three key areas:

1. Accountability: The government must report back not just to the Assembly but to the community itself. Residents deserve to know what steps are being taken to address homelessness, social services, and business support—especially before any major infrastructure upgrades occur.

2. Community Engagement: Businesses and landlords must be part of the conversation to understand and address shop vacancies. Upgrades should not place undue financial burden on local businesses or disrupt their operations unnecessarily.

3. Place-Based Support: Homelessness and mental health services in Dickson need to be tailored to the community’s unique needs. While services exist, proactive outreach and comprehensive engagement are crucial to ensure everyone can access the help they need.

These elements represent a model that could be applied across Canberra, helping other communities facing similar challenges. By combining government action with grassroots initiatives, we can create compassionate, effective solutions that strengthen our neighbourhoods.

At its heart, this isn’t just about fixing shops or paving streets—it’s about building a community that reflects the diverse backgrounds and needs of its people. When residents, business owners, and government work together, we can make Dickson, and places like it across Canberra, safe, thriving, and welcoming for everyone.