A week out from the ACT election, Labor has announced a $10 million package for social housing, including a territory-first plan to assist struggling apprentices.

Housing Minister Joy Burch has pledged $2.95 million to build seven three-bedroom units over four years for ACT apprentices.

Ms Burch said the ACT government had increased the amount of student accommodation in Canberra, but recognised that apprentices needed similar support.

''That is why an ACT Labor government will build affordable housing for young people who are working and training full-time as apprentices, thereby supporting them to receive qualifications and well-paid employment,'' she said.

''This will not only benefit apprentices, but also help ACT employers to attract and retain apprentices in today's competitive market.''

Ms Burch said ACT Labor would spend $5.8 million to build 20 two-bedroom units for older tenants who wanted to downsize from public housing. It will also spend $1.5 million to design a property that will provide respite for indigenous Canberrans with high support needs.

Environment Minister Simon Corbell announced yesterday a Labor government would make it mandatory for all new homes to be fitted with a ''single switch'' to turn off power and reduce energy use from non-essential appliances.

''ACT Labor's energy savings policy will reduce energy costs to Canberrans while reducing emissions,'' he said.

Mr Corbell said ACT Labor would also improve the government website so it offered better advice to Canberrans to reduce energy use and lower bills.

The Canberra Liberals yesterday pledged $2 million for a state-of-the-art training facility for paramedic and nursing students at the Australian Catholic University.

Opposition Leader Zed Seselja said the money would refurbish existing buildings at the university and supply technology for improved simulation-based learning.

Mr Seselja said the facility would be available for use by other institutions including ANU and the University of Canberra, and ongoing funding for the facility would be provided by the Australian Catholic University.

''This will be a collaboration with the ambulance service, with other entities and also other health institutions will be able to access this facility as well,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the ACT Greens announced $4 million to establish an ''Urban Tree Trust'' for purchasing and planting new trees.

Territory and municipal services spokeswoman Caroline Le Couteur said the party would spend $1 million a year to manage trees. ''Canberra's trees provide great streetscapes and support biodiversity, but the Greens are worried they're not getting the care they need and that funds aren't there when new trees are needed,'' she said.

The Greens also pledged $600,000 for financial counselling services yesterday to support people facing financial hardship.

The party also announced a study to determine how pensions for retired ACT public servants could be indexed. The study would consider whether a top-up could be paid annually to boost pensions to Male Total Average Weekly Earnings indexation.