ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, today announced her Government would be moving to implement a range of ideas put forward at the recent Community Roundtable, including developing options for low-interest loans as part of the Government’s banking contract and boosting funding for financial counselling services.

The Chief Minister has also announced she is commissioning an Expert Panel to develop a broader strategy to examine additional ways of supporting those Canberrans who are struggling with their day-to-day expenses.

“In September I hosted a Roundtable with Community Services Minister, Joy Burch, and community sector organisations to identify ways to further support families and individuals facing financial stress,” the Chief Minister said.

In response to the issues raised by participants at the Roundtable, the Government has decided to:

• develop flexible payment options for fees and charges for those Canberrans struggling to meet everyday costs;

• include access to socially responsible banking products like low-interest loans ;

• extend the benefits of Government purchasing power to assist non-government organisations;

• develop options to enhance current food bank arrangements and access in the ACT;

• increase funding for financial counselling services by $60,000 over two years;

• establish a community support website on the wide range of supports and concessions currently available; and

• streamline service purchasing, reduce overheads and increase flexibility in provision of financial and material aid.