Cost of Living

A comprehensive report on how Victorians feel—and what they want—after years of COVID stress, restrictions and hardship.

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

Should the clean energy revolution only be for the benefit of the already well-off? We think not.

With the case numbers rising I was glad that childcare centres were closing. But also, we would have to scramble.

Knowingly pushing 200,000 Victorians into poverty is a terrible start to our post-COVID recovery.

I can’t help but feel a sharp sense of dread and loss when someone asks, “So, what do you do?”

A guest article with Leanne Petrides, Community Information & Support Cranbourne

Pandemic supports are ending. It's not going to be pretty.

It can be painful to tell our own stories (again, and again, and again…).

VCOSS submission on the proposed increase of the permanent JobSeeker rate

Power companies must remember these customers are real people and energy is an essential service.

Everybody needs a home that stays cool in summer and warm in winter.

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

It’s been really difficult, particularly with the lack of certainty.

I just pray every day that we will be allowed to go outside of the suburb, just to get food.

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

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

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

The VDO is a critical measure to improve energy affordability in Victoria.

Feedback on ESC's draft decision on supporting energy customers through the pandemic.

Joint submission to represent the interest of consumers, and especially vulnerable households

It will take more than dog memes to get Victorians through the long winter months at home.

The last thing we need is predatory bank bosses or dodgy debt collectors making the damage of COVID-19 worse.

For some households with embedded networks it can be close to impossible, or very expensive, to exit the network.

No matter what, people who are struggling shouldn’t be left behind on energy upgrades.

Energy efficiency upgrades reduce household energy bills and can make houses healthier and more comfortable.

Financial counsellors across Victoria say they’re stressed, overworked and fearful of making bad decisions on the job.

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

Victorians are preparing for a series of price hikes and cost changes that take effect on 1 January 2020.

Simple measures like energy efficient appliances can make a huge difference to household budgets and to people’s quality of life,