Media release by date
If you are looking for the community sector perspective on the Federal budget please visit the ACOSS website www.acoss.org.au.
2010 Media releases
26 August 2010
Boost to regional community organisations
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) has applauded the State Government’s commitment to support regional community organisations through a new training program announced today.
25 August 2010
Community leaders shape big ideas for Victoria’s future
Big thinkers and community leaders will gather at the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) Framing the Future forum tomorrow to explore and debate the pressing social issues facing Victoria.
24 August 2010
Tram injuries crisis shows need for better accessibility
The Victorian Government needs to invest in tram accessibility to resolve the current tram safety crisis, says the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
‘The significant rise in injuries on and around trams revealed today could be addressed by the government meeting its legal obligations on safety and accessibility,’ said Kate Colvin, VCOSS Policy Manager.
18 August 2010
More must be done to halt alarming rise in diabetes
A greater political focus on preventative and primary health and addressing disadvantage is needed to arrest the alarming rise of diabetes revealed today says Cath Smith, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
9 August 2010
New Victorian plans for Aboriginal children and young people will help Close the Gap
The State Government’s long-term plans to improve education and health outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people announced today are a welcome commitment promising real outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, said the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
26 July 2010
Climate Change White Paper shows real leadership
‘Victoria’s landmark commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by one fifth is an important step that demonstrates real leadership on climate change’, says Kate Colvin, Policy and Public Affairs Manager of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
20 July 2010
No heating, no standards: Our freezing morning is cold comfort for the thousands of Victorian renters living in dodgy houses
Melbourne’s coldest morning of the year serves as a chilly reminder of the shocking conditions many renters are forced to accept in dodgy houses, says VCOSS.
01 July 2010
New poll: Victorians agree – 12 years too long to wait for public housing
Call for extra 29,000 affordable homes in life of next government
Eight out of ten Victorians believe low income households forced to pay more than half of their income on rent should get public housing within a year, according to a new poll published today by the Victorian Council of Social Service.
29 June 2010
VCOSS welcomes extra 330 wheelchair accessible taxi licences in Melbourne region
Today’s announcement of the provision of an extra 330 wheelchair accessible taxi licences for Melbourne by the Victorian Government is welcome news for people living with a disability, says the Victorian Council of Social Service.
29 June 2010
Decent not dodgy rental homes won’t cost the earth but will save tenants a bundle
Victoria’s shocking lack of basic standards for rental housing like electrical safety switches, deadlocks and heating could be addressed at very little cost to landlords, according to new research published today by VCOSS.
24 June 2010
Scrap cap on water concession to relieve pressure on ‘the basics’
‘Caps on the water concession for pensioners and other low income households in Victoria must be scrapped to help keep pace with massive hikes in the price of water from July 1,’ said Victorian Council of Social Service Acting Chief Executive, Carolyn Atkins.
22 June 2010
State election focus on cause, not consequence
This year’s State election must focus on fairer outcomes for all Victorians by tackling the causes of the issues that face them, including poverty, disadvantage and crime.
19 June 2010
VCOSS welcomes pay equity commitment
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) today applauded Premier John Brumby’s commitment to fully fund the outcome of the national pay equity case for the community sector in Victoria.
26 May 2010
Economic agenda will help Close the Gap
‘The Victorian Government’s commitment today to work with Victoria’s Aboriginal communities to implement the recommendations of Moonda Wurrin Gree: Pathways to a Better Economic Future, the report of the Aboriginal Economic Development Group, is a positive step to improve outcomes for Indigenous Victorians,’ says Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith.
26 May 2010
Ombusman: State failing children
‘Today’s Ombudsman’s report into Victoria’s Out of Home Care system highlights the need for a better coordinated and well resourced response to vulnerable children and young people,’ says Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith.
20 May 2010
Not-for-profit sector contributes $43 billion to economy
Australia’s not-for-profit sector employs nearly 900,000 people and contributes $43 billion to the nation’s GDP – six times more than the mining sector – according to the Victorian Council of Social Service.
06 May 2010
$1.35 billon to tackle poverty a welcome move
The Victorian Council of Social Service welcomed today’s announcement by the Victorian Government to boost spending on tackling poverty by $1.35 billion.
04 May 2010
Prisons & police spending the wrong priorities in today’s “disappointing” budget
‘Today’s disappointing budget continues the Victorian Government’s approach to letting problems reach crisis point, with a massive injection into policing and prisons, while services that would make the community stronger were less of a priority,’ says Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith'.
04 May 2010
Spending billions on prisons and extra police in Budget won’t solve society’s woes, warns VCOSS
'Pre-budget figures published by the Victorian Council of Social Service confirm fears that the State Government has spent billions more on locking people up in new prisons and putting extra police on the streets in the last decade than investing in services like child protection, affordable housing and mental health that would prevent crime'.
30 April 2010
$5 billion public transport gauntlet thrown to Victorian Government after expansion of urban boundary
The Victorian Council of Social Service has thrown down a $5 billion gauntlet to the Victorian Government and opposition to match their enthusiasm for the expansion of Melbourne’s urban growth boundary with an unprecedented investment in public transport infrastructure across the city’s outer limits.
29 April 2010
Youth workers a positive first step
‘VCOSS welcomes the 55 new youth workers announced yesterday as part of the law and order state budget initiatives,’ said Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of VCOSS.
29 April 2010
Legal Aid funding a significant step in supporting greater equity
‘The additional $49.9 million to Victoria Legal Aid to provide legal representation to disadvantaged Victorians is a valuable step in supporting greater equity in Victoria,' said Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of VCOSS.
21 April 2010
Health reforms a positive first step but key to good health is more than hospital investment
‘VCOSS welcomes the health and hospital reforms announced through COAG yesterday as a positive first step, however there is more to health than hospitals,’ cautioned Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of VCOSS.
‘These reforms are a good start. The additional funding to improve hospital care and for mental health services for young people in the community is welcomed, as is the intent for these reforms to contribute to the improvement of health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. However there is more to good health than investment in hospitals.’
20 April 2010
Pensioners stung by water price rises 8 times inflation. Remove cap on the water concession, says VCOSS.
‘Single aged pensioners will be hit hardest by massive hikes in the price of water eight times the rate of inflation from July 1, according to new figures published today by the Victorian Council of Social Service.’
14 April 2010
Charter report highlights human rights as a key driver of liveability
‘VCOSS calls on the Victorian Government to improve liveability in Victoria by strengthening its commitment to protecting and promoting human rights’, says Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Social Service.
08 April 2010
Uninhabitable: 1 in 10 rental homes
'One in ten rental properties are unfit for human habitation, according to a survey of rental properties by the Victorian Council of Social Service.
In response to the survey Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith announced the start of ‘Decent not dodgy’ – a campaign to ensure that all renters are guaranteed a home which is safe, healthy and affordable to run.'
07 April 2010
Government urged to invest in community sector IT or risk service delivery to disadvantaged Victorians
'The quality of assistance and support to disadvantaged Victorians into the 21st Century could suffer unless the Victorian Government invests in IT capacity for the community sector, says the Victorian Council of Social Service.'
26 March 2010
Victoria: the place NOT to be unless infrastructure investment keeps pace with rapid population growth
'Victoria won't be the place to be unless swift action is taken to address the State's ailing transport infrastructure and housing affordability crisis, warns the Victorian Council of Social Service. The call comes as new figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria is leading Australia's population growth.'
25 March 2010
More Indigenous health investment to “Close The Gap”
'The Victorian Government has made steady progress in the last three years to narrow the seventeen year life expectancy gap between Victoria’s Indigenous and non Indigenous population, but greater investment is needed in Aboriginal run health infrastructure as well as a better trained and equipped Indigenous health workforce, says the Victorian Council of Social Service on National Close The Gap Day.'
25 March 2010
More than two thirds of Melbourne’s metropolitan councils in rental affordability crisis
'Less than one third of Melbourne’s twenty-nine metropolitan councils contain more than 10 per cent of affordable homes for rent, according to new figures published today (March 25) by the Victorian Council of Social Services.'
22 March 2010
VCOSS welcomes Victorian Government move to investigate impact of smart meters on low and middle income Victorians
'The Victorian Council of Social Service has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to investigate the impact of the roll out so called smart electric meters on low and middle income households.
Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith said that while of time of use electric meters might help some Victorians control their energy costs they could also lead to energy price hikes for those people who spend a large amount of time at home during the day, or who cannot shift their energy use.'
05 March 2010
Accessible homes needed, or force the elderly, frail and people with disabilities to live in expensive care homes
'As the population ages Victorians prone to immobility such as people with disabilities, the elderly and frail could be forced to live in expensive care homes miles from families and loved ones unless the Victorian Government strengthens its proposed regulations to ensure new housing meets standards on disability access, warns the Victorian Council of Social Service.'
02 March 2010
Shocking 'slum' conditions in Melbourne's public housing show need for minimum standards
'The appalling and often dangerous housing conditions endured by some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable families revealed in The Sunday Age yesterday has been condemned by the Victorian Council of Social Service as a failure of Government housing policy.
Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith said the Brumby Government must act immediately to introduce minimum standards for rental housing to ensure that all Victorians live in decent housing.'
04 February 2010
Roll out review of ‘smart’ meters welcomed
'Chief Executive of VCOSS Cath Smith urged the Victorian Energy Minister, Peter Batchelor, to carefully consider the impact that smart metering might have on low-income households in the review of the roll out. "We’re calling on the Minister to ensure that vulnerable people don’t get ripped off, or worse put their lives at risk because of the roll out of smart electricity meters."'
2009 Media releases
22 Decmber 2009
Accessible housing RIS a Christmas win for senior Victorians
‘Today’s release of the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for Visitable and Adaptable Features in Housing brings the promise of safe housing for senior Victorians for the New Year,’ says Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO.'
9 December 2009
Government failure on tram access breaking the law
'The Auditor General’s report released today confirms that the Victorian Government is breaching its legislative obligation to provide access to trams,’ says Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO. ‘VCOSS calls on the Victorian Government to make a major new commitment to accessible transport in the 2010-11 State Budget to at a minimum meet its legislative obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.'
7 December 2009
Community organisations subsidise education costs
New Brotherhood of St Laurence research released today reveals that many children are only able to continue to participate in school because community organisations are picking up education costs that families cannot pay. “This highlights a major flaw in our education system,” says Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO and Equity in Education Alliance spokesperson.
26 November 2009
Outcomes for children about more than child protection
‘VCOSS welcomes the Government’s commitment to implementing the
Ombudsman’s recommendations around child protection, but this will not be enough
to ensure vulnerable children and young people are properly protected,’ said Cath
Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Social Service.
16 November 2009
Memo to State Budget Committee: Time to support young Victorians
Providing access and opportunity for young Victorians to education, training, transport and support services is at the heart of the VCOSS State Budget Submission for 2010-11 being launched today.
05/11/2009
Groups unite to make residential buildings accessible for all Victorians
30/10/2009
VCOSS welcomes action on rooming houses
14/10/2009
Risk of heatwave deaths requires urgent action to legislate for minimum standards
29/09/2009
VCOSS supports calls from the Coroner for licensing and standards to protect rooming house residents
25/09/2009
Risk management approach has failed vulnerable Victorians
27/08/2009
Australia’s ‘Fair go’ threatened
24/08/2009
VCOSS heat on winter energy concessions
12/08/2009
New departments provide new opportunities and challenges
15/07/2009
VCOSS Backs Brumby Blitz
26/06/2009
RESEARCH OUTCOMES FACT SHEET: Under Pressure- Costs of living, financial hardship and emergency relief
26/06/2009
New Report on Emergency Relief reveals who’s Under Pressure in Rural and Regional Victoria
26/06/2009
New Report on Emergency Relief reveals who’s Under Pressure
26/06/2009
MEDIA ALTERT: New Report on Emergency Relief reveals who’s Under Pressure
14/05/2009
Some transport relief in sight with federal budget
06/05/2009
Tackling climate change cannot be put off
06/05/2009
State Budget 09/10 - Decent spending in tough time
04/05/2009
A welcome boost for community services
30/04/2009
Investment for vulnerable children a welcome step
14/04/2009
Accessible housing regulation a step in the right direction
03/04/2009
Investment for Victoria’s most vulnerable children urgently required
19/03/2009
Investment in community services the best budget choice to help all Victorians
11/03/2009
Day of Action for Community Services at Parliament House
25/02/2009
Governor of Victoria launches Communities in a Changing Climate Conference
09/02/2009
VCOSS working with Victorian community to recover as fires still burn
03/02/2009
Victorian Government can enhance Commonwealth economic stimulus package
15/01/2009
Services for vulnerable Victorians under threat as State Government funding cuts bite
05/01/2009
VCOSS calls for water concession to rise
2008 Media releases
22/12/08 Only regulated standards will ensure low income and vulnerable protected in the housing market
22/12/08 VCOSS pays tribute to the hard working staff of the community sector
19/12/08 Victorians need stronger action on climate change
10/12/08 VCOSS welcomes national move to protect human rights
09/12/08 Transport Plan delivers landmark public transport infrastructure with more needed to eliminate transport disadvantage
19/11/08 VCOSS welcomes positive improvements to taxi services
19/11/08 VCOSS tells the whole story on energy campaign
15/10/08 New report confirms that housing affordability is about more than rent and mortgages
01/10/08 Victorian Government urged to continue building a Fairer Victoria during financial crisis
19/08/08 VCOSS commits to Closing the Gap
29/07/08 Universal Housing delivers Universal Benefits
08/05/08 VCOSS welcomes Premier’s call for a Fairer Australia
07/05/08 Victorian Government kicks goals for children and education
06/05/08 Victoria not yet best and fairest - VCOSS Response to the State Budget
29/04/08 A new department – a new focus on transport
21/04/08 State budget must include a significant down payment to close the gap
17/04/08 State Government has the power to implement Prime Minister’s early years vision in next month’s budget
07/04/08 A Blueprint for much-needed improvement
26/03/08 Fluoridation reduces disadvantage in rural and regional communities
12/03/08 Auditor-General’s Report highlights need for major disability investment in State Budget
25/02/08 More than one in three 3 year olds miss out on early childhood programs
14/02/08 Energy and water bills to jump $1,500 by 2012 - Affordable Living Alliance launch today
30/01/08 Better school funding the key to top quality education for disadvantaged students
16/01/08 Disability advocates hand back two thirds of wheelchair to Treasury to protest funding shortfall
02/01/08 Government gets good marks for effort on 'voluntary' school fees but room for improvement, says VCOSS
2007 Media releases
14/12/07 Assisted reproductive technology: VCOSS supports levelling the playing field for Victorian children
30/11/07 More help needed for Victorians slugged with bigger electricity bills
28/11/07 Cheaper weekend travel a plus for weekend workers and social outings
08/11/07 Interest rate rise causes family budget pain: VCOSS submission calls for State Budget gain
22/10/07 Welfare agencies look for policy not personality to make Australia fair
04/10/07 'Price to beat' the key to competition
25/09/07 VCOSS supports today's Rally for Disability rights
18/09/07 Free pre-peak train travel a bonus for early workers
21/08/07 VCOSS league table show rents continue to rocket
16/08/07 Welcome decision to extend the energy safety net
15/08/07 Federal investment needed in public transport
14/08/07 Premier’s water increases smaller than expected but low income households will still feel the pain
10/08/07 Large families to pay $200 extra per water bill
08/08/07 Protect battlers from water price hike
27/07/07 VCOSS commends outgoing leaders, looks to the future
16/07/07 More than one in twenty Victorian households struggle to put food on the table
28/06/07 New VCOSS website launched today
27/06/07 Environment, social and transport groups call for a peak oil management plan
26/06/07 Petrol price mayhem Conference to consider impacts and plan solutions
20/06/07 Protect households from water price shock
12/06/07 State disability budget shortfall of 1.2% per capita
07/06/07 Changes to assisted reproduction and adoption long overdue
29/05/07 Public transport the key to avoiding divided city
21/05/07 Public tenants hit with $21.78 a week rent rise
01/05/07 Housing the winner in the state budget
27/04/07 State budget must deliver on drought and disadvantage
16/03/07 Model utilities framework a big step forward
15/03/07 Without public transport, road pricing unfair
16/03/07 Surplus an opportunity to right Victoria’s housing wrong
12/02/07 VCOSS state wide rent hike league table released today
06/02/07 Rent rises rob renters the price of an island holiday
2006 Media releases
19/12/06 Energy price caps essential to keep prices affordable
21/11/06 Liberals good on gambling, Greens good on ideas, but Labor are the services leader
21/11/06 Mandatory minimum sentences unjust
20/11/06 Labor ahead on addressing disadvantage
10/11/06 Time for a barrier free state for people with disabilities
10/11/06 Train extensions a plus but don’t forget the bus
02/11/06 VCOSS state election website launched
01/11/06 South Morang extension good news for Melbourne’s north
27/10/06 Public housing ramp up a solution to shocking standards for homeless referrals
26/10/06 Good news to public transport users if fares cut
23/10/06 Its time for a decision on accessible housing
10/10/06 South-West Coast candidates on the spot on housing
09/10/06 Youth service gaps leaving young people without vital supports
04/10/06 Cuts to stamp duty won’t help first home buyers