Blog Archives

Jan 13

Preparing for the scorching summers ahead

Extreme heat is a major killer we should all be thinking about and planning for.

Nov 23

The real frontline against the ‘cost of living’

Lasting solutions won’t be found in universal cash-splashes, short-term payment freezes or cute gimmicks. 

Nov 11

Why Victoria should put Housing First

The Housing First model works on the principle that immediate access to stable, safe and appropriate housing is a need

Oct 3

We need to talk about the rent affordability crisis

Happy International Tenants Day! (Or is it?)

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"

Jul 18

COVID mantra of ‘personal responsibility’ is fine – in theory

"Personal responsibility only works if you have the personal means to do what’s required."

Jul 15

A short guide to protecting everybody from COVID this winter

As we shift from government mandates to personal responsibility, nobody should be left behind.

Jul 11

Targeting fairness: Victoria’s emissions reduction target

The Victorian Government's emissions reduction target is a number with a lot riding on it.

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.

Apr 8

The cost of a ‘free’ education

Free education. It's the promise of fairness on which our egalitarian ideals rest, right?

Apr 7

Final Report: Inquiry into Victoria’s Criminal Justice System

On Thursday 24 March 2022, the Final Report of the Inquiry into Victoria’s Criminal Justice System was tables.

Apr 1

“We are all the experts in our own lives.”

ANALYSIS “We are all the experts in our own lives.” This simple statement feels intuitive and self-evident. Who understands my

Mar 29

Victoria’s new rental rules, one year on

Today is the one-year anniversary of Victoria's new rental rules. What's working, what's not and what needs to go further?

Mar 16

Victorian renters deserve solar equality

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

Mar 9

Melbourne needs a treechange

ANALYSIS The Victorian Government is being urged to plant more trees and build more parks in Melbourne’s west. Green spaces

Nov 29

Care factor

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

Sep 10

Vax facts. What we’re learning from diverse Victorian communities.

Engaging with culturally diverse and Aboriginal people in a tailored, safe and appropriate manner is crucial to ensuring those communities

Sep 8

Collaboration is key in emergencies

Disaster management has become a more familiar concept for more Victorians over the last couple of years.

Aug 30

The government is clamping down on charities — and it could have a chilling effect

Who will benefit when Australian charities are muzzled and silenced?

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