As national business leaders and government representatives gather in Canberra today for Labor’s economic round-table, a growing homelessness camp in the city’s centre has drawn attention to the capital’s ongoing social challenges.

In recent days, tents and makeshift shelters have appeared in Civic and Garema Place, raising concerns for businesses, pedestrians, and community safety. The visible increase in rough sleeping has sparked debate over the ACT Government’s approach to housing and support services.

Shadow Minister for Community Services and Homelessness, Chiaka Barry MLA, said the situation underscored the contrast between government rhetoric on prosperity and the lived reality for vulnerable Canberra’s.

“Visitors are in town for the round-table, staying in hotels and dining in cafes, but only blocks away people are sleeping rough in the middle of the CBD,” Ms Barry said. “This camp has been expanding since last week, at the same time as the cost of living has been rising and housing pressures intensifying.”

Barry criticised the ACT Government’s record on housing affordability and pointed to the recent removal of the Rent Relief Fund, along with new tax measures in the June budget, as evidence of misplaced priorities.

Community service providers have also reported increasing demand for assistance, with many warning that current resources are not keeping pace with need.

The ACT Government has committed to building more social and affordable housing, but critics argue progress has been too slow. The visibility of homelessness in Canberra’s city centre, coinciding with national economic discussions just a short distance away at Parliament House, has sharpened calls for action. /By Canberra liberals