Monthly Archives: May 2017

May 24

Five things men say to justify violence against women

Violent men always always seek to justify and explain away their actions. Here's how they do it.

May 17

Community groups hold the key to better disaster planning

Governments should begin harnessing the power of community organisations in disaster planning, according to a new report from the Victorian

May 16

Building resilient communities

Community organisations are the key to helping Victorians prepare for and overcome disasters and it is time to bring them

May 9

Social bodies rate the Federal Budget

The wait is finally over. The 2017 Federal Budget has been released. So, what did VCOSS members and and national

Power bill reform on the right track

The Victorian Council of Social Service has welcomed a plan to give new rights to people struggling to pay their

May 5

Victorian budget splash raises questions about privatisation

Prof. David Hayward examines how an increased spend in the Victorian Budget 2017-2018 is possible because of a big increase

Transport

This is another Victorian Budget with considerable investment in transport with nearly $4 billion allocated over the next four years,

Revenue

Strong growth in revenue has allowed the Victorian government to cut payroll tax and stamp duty for first home buyers

Justice

Among welcome measures, Victoria's new 'supermax' youth jail represents a missed opportunity to create a world-class youth justice system.

May 4

Family violence

There is a reason VCOSS called the 2017 Victorian Budget "a budget with a heart". It contains a historic and

Cost of living

Subsidised energy efficiency upgrades, support for choosing energy retailers and investment in financial counselling are good measures for low-income households

Disability, older people and carers

Funding to support people in the transition to the NDIS and to reduce abuse in disability services are among some

May 3

Community sector and social cohesion

Funding to develop an Aboriginal treaty, a LGBTI inclusive Victoria and implementing the state's multicultural policy are positive investments to

Children and families

Expanding the Maternal and Child Health service and increasing the number of child protection workers through this year's Victorian Budget

Housing and homelessness

Expanding social housing through measures including a growth fund and community housing loans, the 2017 Victorian Budget is a great

Health and wellbeing

Investment in mental health, drug and alcohol services and in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in the 2017 Victorian Budget will

Education

There is more support for students facing disadvantage across early years and school years in the 2017 Victorian Budget, as

Develop skills and grow employment

The 2017 Victorian Budget includes welcome initiatives to stimulate employment growth in new industries and in localities facing disadvantage. It

Thinking differently about play

Community resilience needs building long before an emergency event

Recovery from an emergency cannot be resilient unless the community is resilient to begin with.

May 2

VCOSS welcomes ‘budget with a heart’

The 2017 Victorian Budget delivers on the Government’s laudable commitment to ending family violence. The Victorian Council of Social Service