Policy and research

VCOSS raises awareness of the existence, causes and effects of poverty in Victoria, and develops solutions.

Our role includes:

Researching new and existing approaches,
Responding to current and proposed government policies,
Advocating for change, both publicly and privately, and
Coordinating community sector responses to emerging issues and challenges.

To do this, we are in constant dialogue with VCOSS members, people with experience of poverty, policymakers and others.

Latest reports and submissions

Browse and search all VCOSS policy reports and submissions here.

Community-led climate adaptation: Case studies from Victorian communities

The case studies in this report explore models the community sector has in place for the vital capacity- and resilience-building work of adapting to climate change.

Better Protections for Life Support Customers

VCOSS welcomes the Essential Services Commission’s draft decision on better protections for life support customers in Victoria.

Ripple Effects: Spatial injustice and the 2022 Victorian floods

This report presents the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of spatial injustice – the unequal opportunities and resources that exist due to location – and the impacts of the 2022 Victorian floods.

VCOSS Submission to Remake of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal fees

Home > Policy > Policy Library VCOSS Submission…

Joint submission on 2026-27 Victorian Default Offer

In this submission we detail potential consumer protections that would safeguard consumers when selecting free power period offers.

Submission to Remaking of Fines Regulations

VCOSS does not support the proposed Regulations which seek to increase late fees for fine recipients who are unable to pay their fines by the determined due date.

Analysis and insights

The VCOSS policy team examines emerging issues, trends and policy approaches.

You can view the full analysis archive here.

VCOSS initial State Budget response

The Victorian Government delivers a budget for tough times – with room to go further for those who need it most.

Fuel costs: have your voice heard

VCOSS wants to hear directly from our members about the emerging impacts on vulnerable households and frontline services in Victoria.

VCOSS welcomes free public transport

VCOSS welcomes today’s announcement by the Victorian Government that public transport across the network will be free for a month from Tuesday 31 March.

VCOSS statement on Midday Power Saver

The Victorian Government’s Midday Power Saver is an initiative that will help many Victorians save on their power bills and benefit from renewable energy.

New research sheds light on link between disasters and poverty across Victoria

New research sheds light on how disasters are more likely to hit those experiencing disadvantage – and exacerbate it.

Joint statement on the redevelopment of public housing towers dedicated to older Victorians

An analysis of how and where Government is choosing to withdraw or redistribute funding raises serious questions about the impact on some of our most important service systems.

Jonathon Gurry
Acting Director, Policy and Advocacy
Email Jonathon
Julie Robertson
Director, Community and Sector Development
Email Julie

VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, and we pay respect to Elders and Ancestors. Our business is conducted on sovereign, unceded Aboriginal land. The VCOSS offices are located on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land in central Naarm.