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 challanges.

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.

Putting equity at the heart of Victoria’s climate response

VCOSS submission to Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy 2026-2030

Hidden Hurdles

Barriers to rental fairness for family violence victim survivors and ways to dismantle them

Supply of Homes in Regional Victoria

VCOSS Submission to the Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee Inquiry into the Supply of Homes in Regional Victoria

GROWING SOCIAL HOUSING

Housing advocates call for Victoria to build 80,000 new social homes in the next 10 years to address the state’s housing crisis.

Joint Submission to the Victorian Default Offer Review 2025-26 Draft Decision

The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) is a crucial safeguard for consumers who face structural barriers to engaging with the electricity retail market.

Powering homes beyond fossil gas

VCOSS submission to the Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement

Analysis and insights

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

You can view the full analysis archive here.

Embracing an electric future will benefit all Victorians

The Victorian Government’s push towards an electric future will result in cleaner, healthier and more affordable energy for all Victorians.

VCOSS initial State Budget response

State Budget provides cost-of-living relief for many, but misses the opportunity to tackle enduring social and economic challenges for low-income Victorians.

Victorian Energy Upgrades legislation

VCOSS welcomes the introduction of Victorian Energy Upgrades legislation into state parliament.

Building for the future

We must build homes to withstand the weather of the future now.

Government responses to the Disability Royal Commission

Victorian and Federal governments have responded to the Royal Commission’s report. What happens next?

The Community and Social Services Graduate Program

The new Community and Social Services Graduate Program has been launched

Deborah Fewster
Director, Policy and Advocacy
Email Deborah
Meg Brodie
Acting Director, Thriving Communities
Email Meg

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.