Policy development

Consulting with members, collecting evidence and analysing trends to develop smart policy proposals for change.

VCOSS doesn’t just raise awareness of the existence, causes and effects of poverty and inequality in Victoria.

We offer solutions.

We are in constant dialogue with our members, people with lived experience, policymakers and other experts to develop smart and workable policy approaches that will make Victoria a better place to live.

Our role includes:

Researching and developing approaches for governments and the community sector to adopt
Responding to current and proposed government policies and practices
Advocating for change using the media and through direct lobbying, and
Coordinating community sector responses to emerging issues.

We select policy areas that are the most critical and where we can make the biggest difference. Our policy work can be found in flagship reports, formal submissions to government policy development processes and inquires, as well as in our public and private advocacy.

Quick links

Recent submissions and reports

Comfortable, safe and saving money

Our views on ‘adding home energy rating assessments’ to the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program

Keeping an eye on the kids

This text is important and must be updated for each submission

An equitable decade of climate change action

Our input to Sustainability Victoria’s organisational strategy for 2021-30

View all policy.

Victorian Budget Submissions

VCOSS produces a formal submission to the Victorian Government each year, detailing the policies and approaches we believe should be funded.

These submissions are the result of extensive consultation with VCOSS members and partners, including frontline service agencies, affected communities, people with lived experience of poverty and disadvantage, and other peak bodies.

They contain specific recommendations to make Victoria fairer and more equitable, so every Victorian and Victorian community can experience wellbeing. Their scope is limited to actions the Victorian Government can take, and that require funding through the regular budget process.

View budget submissions

Analysis and insights

“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 of many Victorians’ lives.

Affordable living

The decision to make a universal Power Saving Bonus the headline Budget initiative on cost-of-living issues is an important recognition that times are tough for many Victorian households.

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 environment.

View more articles

Keep up to date

NAME*

Email*

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Connect with VCOSS

VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country. We pay respect to Elders both past and present, and to emerging leaders. Our offices are located on the sovereign, unceded land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.