Last week we announced the ACT Government’s first rapid response to the COVID crisis - a $137 million investment to help support our economy while we manage the spread of COVID-19 and its impacts here in the ACT.

Today our ACT Labor-Greens Government has stepped up our response to this crisis, announcing an additional $214 million investment to support our community through this challenging time.

There are three important parts to this latest response: more support for renters and those doing it tough, more support for our frontline community services, and extra support for businesses to keep more Canberrans employed.

As your Greens in Government, we have been working hard to ensure our community’s needs are being met during this time of crisis. Today, we are proud today to announce that:

We’re getting renters a better deal.

With Canberra rents some of the most expensive in the country, many renters are worried about how they’ll keep a roof over their heads during this crisis. That’s why, for Canberrans who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut, we’re providing incentives to landlords that will reduce Canberra rents by up to $200 per week for the next six months. Click here to find out more.

We’re stepping up our support for those who support us.

We’re providing a range of vital community organisations with an additional $1.865 million in direct funding and rent relief to help more Canberrans get through the worst of this crisis. 

As Minister for Mental Health, I’m especially pleased to announce some $135,000 in extra funding for our frontline community mental health providers - Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and Menslink. This follows an additional $100,000 to Lifeline ACT to bolster its support services.

In times of disaster and strife, home can be even more unsafe for those experiencing domestic violence. That’s why we’re providing support for the family violence support sector, because no Canberran should go without the support they need to end domestic violence - especially during a crisis.

We’re providing extra support for businesses to keep more Canberrans in work.

A new $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ fund will employ more Canberrans in the ACT Government  - providing an economic lifeline to those who may not be eligible for other support payments. An extra $5 million will also help fast-track infrastructure projects and maintenance on Government-owned community facilities, schools and other buildings.

Our democracy matters more than ever.

That’s why we’re pleased to have secured an ACT Assembly Committee that will closely scrutinise the decisions of the Government in response to the COVID crisis. With our Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur playing a key Committee role, the Greens will hold key decision-makers to account and ensure these vital decisions are being made to the benefit of all Canberrans during this trying time.

Many of you have taken the opportunity to write to us in recent weeks to let us know how you think the Government can better respond to meet our community needs. Please continue to send us your ideas via Facebook, Twitter or email. Thank you to all those who have contributed to so far - please know that we have worked hard to ensure your ideas are reflected in Government decisions. 

As a community - in times of strife, we stand united, never divided.