Author Archives: Brooke McKail

Feb 17

Holding the fabric together

In an industry defined by short-term contracts and a mobile workforce, sometimes the challenge is being counted.

Oct 12

VCOSS submission to the National Preventive Health Strategy Consultation

Good health is being compromised by income, location, cultural background or other circumstances.

Aug 9

COVID-19 and the Victorian Community Sector

Submission to the Victorian Parliament’s PAEC Inquiry into Victoria’s Response to COVID-19

Jul 1

VCOSS submission to Portable Long Service Scheme draft regulations

Introduction The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Long Service Benefits

May 8

Submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements

Introduction VCOSS welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. VCOSS is the

Feb 27

VCOSS Submission to the Public Engagement Framework Consultation Draft

VCOSS submission on the Public Engagement Framework Consultation Draft

Jan 21

Ensuring energy contracts are clear and fair

We are concerned that Victorians on low-incomes and with additional energy-related needs could miss out on their benefits and protections.

Dec 16

On what level does ‘drip funding’ social service bodies make sense?

(Hint: it doesn't)

Action on mental health needed right now

Cash-strapped frontline mental health services can’t wait until after the Royal Commission for funding relief.

Nov 29

Early steps towards a mental health system that works

The Mental Health Royal Commission's nine priority recommendations, summarised and analysed.

Aug 30

Tackling climate change in Victorian communities

Government and community need to prioritise reducing inequity.

Jul 12

The path to a stronger mental health system

Victoria needs a well-funded, well-governed and accountable mental health system

May 13

Better data; stronger community sector workforce

Better workforce data would help us plan for the future and give us a stronger platform for the community sector.

Apr 16

A call to action on mental health

Victoria cannot keep going this way on mental health: filling up hospital beds, reducing services, risking people’s lives.

Jul 31

Why Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights needs a shakeup

Victoria's Charter of Human Rights was an first important step. But it’s now time for the next great stride.

Jun 15

Accessibility and quality of mental health services in rural and remote Australia

Health inequities for rural Victorians are unfair and largely preventable.

Closing the Gap: Where to for Victoria?

The principles of Aboriginal self-determination and co-design must underpin the refresh.

Mar 19

Embed Aboriginal self-determination

Self-determination is vital to improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing. The full potential of Aboriginal peoples can best be realised through

Mar 13

Recognising the true costs of realtime prescription monitoring

VCOSS Submission to the Realtime Prescription Monitoring Regulatory Impact Statement The harm from misuse of pharmaceutical medicines is significant. More

Nov 1

Helping victims of crime recover

VCOSS supports the Victims of Crime Assistance Scheme as an important way to offer justice to people recovering from the

Aug 31

Can ‘big data’ help improve social policy?

Private companies have been using data to anticipate demand and enhance their service offerings for years. Is it time the

May 26

Victoria’s Aboriginal community talks treaty and self-determination

This Sorry Day, Aboriginal Victorians have joined together for an historic two-day forum, to talk about how to progress self-determination

May 23

VCAT fee structure should provide accessibility to justice

The Victorian Government is reviewing the regulations that govern the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) fee structure. VCAT

Apr 29

Prevent crime through a smarter justice system

VCOSS welcomes the 2016 Victorian Budget’s focus on diverting disadvantaged people away from the justice system and addressing the underlying

Apr 28

Prevent, identify and respond to family violence

Summary The Family Violence Royal Commission report was a landmark moment and a turning point in addressing the scourge of

Apr 20

Expansion of the Drug Court will help people in Melbourne with drug dependency

The expansion of the Drug Court of Victoria to the Melbourne region will help reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for

Apr 13

Family violence package: significant investment to address immediate needs

In this blog, VCOSS summarises some of the key funding and policy initiatives announced in today’s package, responding to the

Apr 8

Senate committee critical of Indigenous Advancement Strategy Process

The flaws in the Commonwealth Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) tender process have been highlighted by a report of the

Apr 1

Comprehensive and broad-ranging report on addressing family violence in Victoria

In its response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, VCOSS called the report “a landmark moment and a turning

Mar 1

Help people facing disadvantage deal with outstanding fines and debt

VCOSS recently published its 2016-17 State Budget Submission: Putting people back in the picture. It puts forward a proposal to

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