Author Archives: VCOSS

Sep 16

Foster care kids are struggling to get proof-of-life documents

Foster kids without proof-of-life document can’t access many services and supports, including subsidised childcare, school enrolment, and a Medicare card.

Aug 4

How it feels when your dad’s in prison

"I worried whether I was inherently 'evil' for supporting my father, or even being related to him"

May 13

“Scarring effects of the pandemic economy”: the ongoing social and economic impacts of COVID-19

A new report finds that headline statistics about unemployment figures create a “false optimism” that doesn’t correspond to the reality

Affordable living

The decision to make a universal Power Saving Bonus the headline Budget initiative on cost-of-living issues is an important recognition

May 6

A healthy climate supporting resilient communities

While some funding toward emergency resilience has been provided in the Budget, it doesn’t go far enough in the current

Valuing the community sector

The funding allocated in this Budget is not sufficient to fully cover the increasing financial pressures facing the community sector.

Fair and equal justice

The 2022-23 Budget includes some sensible initiatives to improve justice system responses, but misses the opportunity to adopt a justice

A Victorian where people can thrive and live free from violence

VCOSS is pleased to see that gender responsive budgeting will be embedded in Victorian legislation to ensure that an equality

Stronger early childhood education, schools and skills

The Budget delivers much to like in early childhood education, schools, training and skills.

Victorians in work

We know that employment figures don’t always tell the full story, so we continue to advocate for policy measures and

A healthy Victoria

The theme of the Victorian Government’s 2022-23 Budget is ‘Putting Patients First’, and it’s certainly a bonanza for the health

A wellbeing state – wellbeing approaches

There are countless initiatives in the State Budget that would form part of a wellbeing economy. It is time to

A safe place to call home  

The 2022-23 Budget could have gone further to ensure that all Victorians have safe, stable and affordable homes.

Jun 16

Stronger early childhood education and schools

The 2021-22 Budget confirms the Government’s continued commitment to high-quality education and early learning.

Jun 9

Affordable living

This Budget largely focused on targeted expansions or continuations of services helping people in financial hardship.

Jun 1

A safe place to call home

This Budget builds on the record investment of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

May 31

Fair and equal justice

This Budget includes funding for the long-awaited spent conviction scheme.

A wellbeing state

The Budget includes $3.8 billion to begin implementation of the Mental Health Royal Commission recommendations.

May 28

An equitable response to climate change

Communities impacted by the Black Summer bushfires will benefit from investment in essential services.

Women living safe and respected

The 2021-22 Budget invests $354 million to support victim survivors and address family violence.

Women and children thriving, free from violence

The 2021-22 Budget invests $354 million to support victim survivors and address family violence.

Nov 24

‘Inequality crushing’ budget sets Victoria on a fairer course

"The pandemic has made bold interventions a necessity, and the government isn't missing its shot."

Nov 12

Did we just end poverty, and then let it return?

For a moment, and a lucky few, we eradicated poverty. Now we're letting people slip back below the poverty line.

Sep 16

‘You have to be your own cheerleader’: staying positive in COVID

Although COVID-19 has been devastating, it has given Meena chance to pause and map out where she wants to take

‘I’m going to have to make some tough choices’: Struggling for the basics

Mandy Weber and her two teenage daughters face the prospect of homelessness for a sixth time once the JobSeeker Coronavirus

Forced to embrace technology

John Doutch isn’t too fussed by the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. “Us oldies, if I could put it that way, are

‘Pretty crap at the moment to be honest’: life on disability pension

“No one should have to be making choices between food and bills, medication and bills. But we are."

Staying close to nature, staying well

Fear of COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in Ruth Skewes' life, but some things are too important to

‘A bitter pill to swallow’: coping with racism and the virus

Bayu Pratama has been no stranger to racism since arriving in Australia from Jakarta eight years ago.

Sep 8

COVID-19 Digital Forum #6 (September)

A monthly discussion forum to guide community organisations through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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