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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Lucy Bladen

Liberals promise extra funding for KidSafe ACT if elected

Canberra charity KidSafe ACT would receive an extra $110,000 a year in funding if the Canberra Liberals are elected.

The charity made a desperate plea for more funding earlier this year saying they could be forced to shut due to insufficient funding.

The charity is focused on preventing childhood injury and is most well-known for its work in fitting and checking car seats.

KidSafe ACT asked for its funding to be increased from just under $200,000 to $400,000 a year to keep its existing programs and to pay staff adequately. The ACT government announced a one-off funding boost to the service this year of about $60,000.

Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee said funding for community sector organisations had not kept up with demand.

"Like many of our community sector organisations, funding from the government had not kept up with demand or the increasing cost of wages, insurances and other costs," she said.

"KidSafe ACT is at a critical juncture and without additional support, it would be forced to reduce its much-needed services or worse, close completely."

Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee and deputy opposition leader Leanne Castley. Picture by Karleen Minney

Under a Liberal government the charity would receive an extra $110,000 a year for the next four years.

Deputy opposition leader Leanne Castley said the extra funding would allow the service to do more free car seat safety checks, extend opening hours and more workshop to educate on car seat safety.

"The Canberra Liberals value the crucial role that KidSafe ACT plays in our community and is committed to ensuring it continues for many years to come," she said.

"This additional funding will not only support the current work KidSafe ACT does but allow them to increase their services."

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