Submissions
Each year VCOSS prepares numerous submissions to government. This is a key role for VCOSS, coordinating community input and advocating for people experiencing disadvantage.
- Children, young people and families
- Climate change
- Community sector strengthening
- Disability
- Education
- Emergency management
- Emergency relief
- Energy
- Gambling
- Health and wellbeing
- Housing
- Human rights
- Justice
- Other
- Planning
- State Budget
- Transport
- Water
- Workforce Participation
Children, young people and families
Statutory Minimum Sentences for Gross Violence
Minimum sentences – VCOSS does not support the Victorian Government’s policy to introduce statutory minimum sentences for serious injury offences involving gross violence for juvenile offenders aged 16 and 17.
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2011
Submission to: Statutory Minimum Sentences for Serious Injury Offences Involving Gross Violence
Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry
Author: Paula Grogan (VCOSS)
Date: May 2011
Submission to: Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry
Review of Victoria’s Child Protection Legislative Arrangements
Author: VCOSS and Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
Date: April 2010
Submission to: Victorian Law Reform Commission
Children’s Services Regulations Review
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2009
Submission to: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Vulnerable Youth Framework Discussion Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2008
Submission to: Department for Victorian Communities
Climate change
Our Cities Discussion Paper Submission
A national strategy for the future of Australian cities
Author: Llewellyn Reynders, Sarah Toohey, Jess Fritze (VCOSS)
Date: March 2011
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australian Government
Victorian Climate Change White Paper and Climate Change Bill
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2010
Prime Minister’s Taskgroup on Energy Efficiency
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2010
Victorian Climate Change Green Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2009
Submission to: Victorian Climate Change Green Paper
Draft Heatwave Planning Guide
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2009
Submission to: Department of Human Services
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2008
Submission to: Department of Climate Change
Community sector strengthening
Price Waterhouse Coopers report on portable long service leave
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2010
Submission to: Department of Human Services
Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector Productivity Commission Draft Research Report
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2009
Submission to: Productivity Commission
The National, State and Territory Councils of Social Service (COSS) Submission to the Industrial Relations Commission
Author: The National, State and Territory Councils of Social Service (COSS)
Date: July 2009
Submission to: Industrial Relations Commission
Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector Productivity Commission Issues Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2009
Submission to: Productivity Commission
Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector, Productivity Commission Issues Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2009
Submission to: Productivity Commission
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission Inquiry into Shared Facilities
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2009
Submission to: VCEC
Framework and approach paper for the regulatory period commencing 1 January 2011
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2009
Submission to: Australian Energy Regulator
Stronger Community Organisations Project
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2007
Submission to: Department for Victorian Communities
Regulatory review of Non-Profit Organisations
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2007
Submission to: State Services Authority
Disability
Submission on the draft bus specifications
Victoria deserves a world-class public transport system, that provides everyone with good access to the opportunities and services they need to live a dignified and meaningful life.
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2012
Submission to: Draft Heavy Duty Ultra Low Floor Route Bus Specification
Harmonisation of disability parking permit schemes in Australia discussion paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2009
Submission to: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Inquiry into the Provision of Supported Accommodation for Victorians with a Disability or Mental Illness
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2008
Submission to: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Exposure draft of the disability bill
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2006
Submission to: Department of Human Services
Education
Flexible Learning Options
Author: Lauren Matthews & Carolyn Atkins
Date: June 2010
Submission to: DEECD 'Pathways to re-engagement through flexible learning options' discussion paper
'Securing our future economic prosperity': Discussion Paper on Skills Reform
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2008
Submission to: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Blueprint for Early Childhood Development and School Reform Submission
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2008
Submission to: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Exposure draft of the education and training reform regulations
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2007
Submission to: Department of Education and Training
Exposure draft of the education and training reform bill
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2006
Submission to: Department of Education
Emergency management
Emergency Management Green Paper
Author: Carolyn Atkins
Date: November 2011
Submission to: Towards a more disaster resilient and safer Victoria
Victorian Floods Review
Author: Jess Fritze & Carolyn Atkins
Date: June 2011
Submission to: Victorian Floods Review
Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission
Author: Jess Fritze
Date: August 2010
Submission to: 2009 Bushfire Royal Commission
Emergency relief
Victorian Floods Review
The extensive flooding which affected much of northern, western and central Victoria in late 2010 and early 2011 has had profound impacts on communities and has tested Victoria’s emergency preparation, response, and recovery systems.
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2011
Submission to: Victorian Flood Review
Energy
Minimum amount owing for energy disconnection to be permitted
The National Energy Retail Law allows for an amount to be set as a threshold below which a customer cannot be disconnected for non-payment of a bill. This consultation was to gather stakeholder input with regard to what the amount should be, whether it should be made public, and so on.
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2012
Submission to: Australian Energy Regulator
Victoria-specific regulation under the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) & Extending the jurisdiction of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV)
This joint submission with other consumer advocacy and community services organisations responds to the Victorian Government’s proposals for state-specific regulation to maintain Victoria’s robust customer protection framework in the transition to the less comprehensive national framework. It also weighs in on the Government’s considerations as to whether (and how) customers of exempt networks (such as retirement village, caravan park, and some large-scale multi-unit development residents) could feasibly be given access to the Energy and Water Ombudsman
Author: VCOSS, Consumer Action Law Centre, Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre, Council on the Aging, Kildonan UnitingCare, St Vincent de Paul
Date: August 2011
Submission to: Department of Primary Industries
Smart meters regulatory review - capacity control and verifying bills
VCOSS Submission to the Smart meters regulatory review - capacity control and verifying bills.
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2011
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Review of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program
As a consumer advocate, and specifically, an advocate for the interests of disadvantaged and vulnerable households, VCOSS is primarily interested in the benefits that will be actually realised by residential electricity consumers.
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2011
Submission to: Department of Treasury and Finance
Discussion Paper - Energy Customer Contracts (Victoria) Transition Issues and the Victorian Licensing Arrangements - Issues Paper
Author: VCOSS, Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC), Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC)
Date: May 2011
Submission to: Department of Primary Industries
Draft Guidance on approval of customer hardship policies
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2011
Submission to: Australian Energy Regulator
Smart Meters Review - supply capacity control and bill verification
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2011
Submission to: Essential Services Commission (Victoria)
Essential Services Commission Draft Decision Regulatory Review of Smart Meters
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2010
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Essential Services Commission regulatory review of smart meters
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2010
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Australian Energy Regulator Pricing Information Guideline discussion paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: April 2010
Submission to: Australian Energy Regulator
Essential Services Commission draft report on the review of the Wrongful Disconnection Payment
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2010
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Second Exposure Draft of the National Energy Customer Framework
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2010
Submission to: Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
AER on the Electricity Distribution Businesses Proposals
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2010
Submission to: Australian Energy Regulator
Essential Services Commission review of the Wrongful Disconnection Payment
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2009
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Smart Meter Customer Protections and Safety Review
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2009
Submission to: Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Smart Meter Customer Protections and Safety Review Draft Policy Paper One
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2009
Submission to: Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
First Exposure Draft - National Energy Retail Law
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2009
Submission to: Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Guideline 19: Energy Price and Product Disclosure
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2009
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Retailer of Last Resort - Development of a National Policy Framework
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2008
Submission to: Department of Energy Resources and Tourism
Ministerial Council on Wenergy Standing Committee of Officials policy response paper on the National Energy Customer Framework
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2008
Submission to: Department of Industry Tourism and Resources
First draft report of the review of the effectiveness of competition in electricity and gas retail markets
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2007
Submission to: Australian Energy Market Commission
CComposite paper on a national regime for the regulation of energy
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2007
Submission to: Retail Policy Working Group
Information collection needs for the review of the effectiveness of competition in gas and electricity retail markets
Author: Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre Ltd, Consumer Action Law Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society, Victoria and VCOSS
Date: June 2007
Submission to: Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission
Final report of the review of the Essential Services Commission Act 2001
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2007
Submission to: Department of Treasury and Finance
Victorian energy efficiency target scheme issues paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2007
Submission to: Department of Primary Industries; Department of Sustainability and Environment
Review of the effectiveness of competition in gas and electricity retail markets
Author: Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre Ltd, Consumer Action Law Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and VCOSS
Date: April 2007
Submission to: Australian Energy Market Commission
Draft decision and guideline on energy retailers’ financial hardship policies
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2007
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Issues paper ‘Small scale licensing framework: Draft recommendations’
Author: The Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre, Alternative Technology Association, Consumer Action Law Centre and VCOSS
Date: February 2007
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Issues paper 'A structured approach to the allocation of the Panel’s funding budget'
Author: Alternative Technology Association Centre for Credit and Consumer Law, Consumer Law Centre Victoria, Consumer Utilities Advocacy
Date: September 2006
Submission to: National Consumers Advocacy Panel
Gambling
Gaming licensing
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2007
Submission to: Legislative Council Select Committee
Health and wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing Service Framework consultation
Author: VCOSS
Date: April 2010
Review of governance arrangements for community health centres
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2008
Submission to: Department of Human Services
Inquiry into the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial Responsibility for Approval of RU486) Bill 2005
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2006
Submission to: Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Housing
Rooming House Standards Regulations - Regulatory Impact Statement
Rooming houses are tenanted by an extremely vulnerable cohort in the population who generally have little or no bargaining power or financial leverage to ensure the standard of their accommodation.
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2011
Submission to: Proposed Residential Tenancies (Rooming House Standards) Regulations Regulatory Impact Statement
Our Cities Discussion Paper Submission
A national strategy for the future of Australian cities
Author: Llewellyn Reynders, Sarah Toohey, Jess Fritze (VCOSS)
Date: March 2011
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australian Government
Visitable and Adaptable Housing Features Regulatory Impact Statement
Author:
Date: March 2010
Visitable and Adaptable Housing Features Regulatory Impact Statement
Author: Victorian Universal Housing Alliance
Date: February 2010
Parliament of Victoria Family and Community Development Committee inquiry into the adequacy and future directions of public housing in Victoria
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2010
Homelessness 2020: a discussion paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2009
Options paper on the tenancy policy framework of residential parks
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2009
Submission to: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Inquiry into the Provision of Supported Accommodation for Victorians with a Disability or Mental Illness
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2008
Submission to: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Review of the Regulation of Supported Residential Services in Victoria
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2008
Homelessness Green Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2008
Submission to: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Human rights
SARC Inquiry into the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
VCOSS submission to the review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2011
Equal Opportunity Act amendments – protected attributes, exceptions and exemptions
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2010
Submission to: Scrutiny of Acts and Legislation Committee
National Human Rights Consultation Committee
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2009
Submission to: Human Rights Consultation Committee
Equal Opportunity Review Options Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2008
Submission to: Department of Justice
Equal Opportunity Act review
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2008
Submission to: Department of Justice
Equal Opportunity (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill Issues Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2006
Submission to: Department of Justice
Human Rights Consultation Committee report 'Rights, Responsibilities and Respect'
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2006
Submission to: Human Rights Consultation Committee
Justice
Summary Offences and Control of Weapons Acts Amendment Bill
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2009
Submission to: Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee
Draft Model Spent Convictions Bill – Consultation Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2009
Other
Inquiry into a state based reform agenda
VCOSS believes that much can be done to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Victorian economy and to strengthen workforce participation, particularly by people who are currently disadvantaged.
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2011
Submission to: VCEC Inquiry addressing critical issues for Victoria’s future strength and prosperity
Victorian Rural and Regional Committees' Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Disadvantage and Inequity in Rural and Regional Victoria
Author: VCOSS
Date: April 2010
Submission to: Victorian Rural and Regional Committee
Blueprint For Provincial Victoria Response to Discussion Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2009
Draft report of VCEC inquiry into the sharing of government and community Facilities
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2009
Submission to: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission
2009 Bushfire Royal Commission
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2009
Submission to: Bushfire Royal Commission
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission Inquiry into the Sharing of Government and Community Facilities
Author: VCOSS
Date: March 2009
Submission to: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission
Inquiry into Improving Access to Victorian Public Sector Information and Data
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2008
Submission to: Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
A State of Liveability: An Inquiry into Enhancing Victoria’s Liveability Draft Report
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2008
Submission to: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC)
VCECs' liveability inquiry
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2008
Submission to: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC)
Consumer Policy Framework
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2007
Submission to: Productivity Commission
Planning
Inquiry into environmental design and public health
The impact of the built and natural environment on health and wellbeing is clear. The wealth of research demonstrates the links between environmental design, behaviour and health outcomes for communities.
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2011
Submission to: Inquiry into environmental design and public health
Inquiry into liveabilty options in outer suburban Melbourne
Author: Sarah Toohey (VCOSS)
Date: April 2011
Submission to: Outer Suburban Interface Services and Development Committee Inquiry
Our Cities Discussion Paper Submission
A national strategy for the future of Australian cities
Author: Llewellyn Reynders, Sarah Toohey, Jess Fritze (VCOSS)
Date: March 2011
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australian Government
Growth Area Framework Plans
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2010
Modernising Victoria’s Planning Act
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2009
Submission to: Department of Planning and Community Development
Precinct Structure Planning Guidelines
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2008
Submission to: Growth Areas Authority
State Budget
VCOSS Victorian State Budget Submission 2011– 20112
VCOSS Victorian State Budget Submission 2011– 20112 details the key issues and spending priorities for the Victorian community sector.
Author: VCOSS
Date: December 2010
Submission to: State Cabinet, Treasury,etc
Transport
Submission on the draft bus specifications
Victoria deserves a world-class public transport system, that provides everyone with good access to the opportunities and services they need to live a dignified and meaningful life.
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2012
Submission to: Draft Heavy Duty Ultra Low Floor Route Bus Specification
Exploring the opportunities for reform: Smart transport for a growing nation project
Transport affects every aspect of a person's life, including their ability to stay healthy, be educated, find work, raise children, age with dignity, and stay connected with family and friends. Transport, therefore, is an essential service, whose benefits cannot be measured solely by their contribution to economic activity.
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2011
Submission to: The National Transport Commission's discussion paper: Exploring the opportunities for reform
Submission to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry
VCOSS has a significant history in advocating for improved access to transport, including in the taxi industry, and was significantly involved in advocating changes to the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program during a restructure of the scheme in the recent past.
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2011
Submission to: Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry
Our Cities Discussion Paper Submission
A national strategy for the future of Australian cities
Author: Llewellyn Reynders, Sarah Toohey, Jess Fritze (VCOSS)
Date: March 2011
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australian Government
Senate Inquiry into the investment of Commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2009
Submission to: Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
Taxi Fare Review 2007- 08 Draft Report
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2008
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Investing in Transport: East West Link Needs Assessment Report and priorities for broader transport investment
Author: VCOSS
Date: July 2008
Submission to: Department of Transport
Service standards for re-franchising for metro tram and train networks
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2008
Submission to: Department of Transport
Taxi fare review issues paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: January 2008
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Transport legislation review
Author: VCOSS
Date: December 2007
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure
Taxi-cab industry accreditation regulations 2007
Author: VCOSS
Date: November 2007
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure
Melbourne 2030 audit
Author: VCOSS
Date: September 2007
Submission to: Melbourne 2030 Audit Expert Group
Issues paper 'Review of the disability standards for accessible public transport'
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2007
Submission to: The Allen Consulting Group on behalf of the Australian Government
East West Link needs assessment
Author: VCOSS
Date: June 2007
Submission to: Department of Infrastructure
Water
2013 Water Price Review: Tariff Issues Paper
Submission to the Tariff Issues Paper released in the lead up the 2013 Water Price Review. Here VCOSS comments on the Essential Service Commission’s proposed approach to approving tariffs, discussing (among other things) the structure of tariffs (including, specifically, the virtue or otherwise of inclining blocks tariffs), the concessions framework, and the prospect of increasing customer choice in the way they are billed for water.
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2011
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Submission to the Living Victoria final report
Submission to the Living Victoria final report, focusing on the proposals for pricing, billing, and concessions.
Author: VCOSS
Date: August 2011
Submission to: Living Victoria final report
Essential Services Commission’s Metropolitan Melbourne Water Price Review Draft Decision 08-09
Author: VCOSS
Date: May 2009
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Essential Services Commission’s Metropolitan Melbourne Water Price Review 08-09 Issues Paper
Author: VCOSS
Date: February 2009
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Inquiry into reform of the metropolitan retail water sector
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2007
Submission to: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission
Issues paper 'Water tariff structures review'
Author: VCOSS
Date: October 2007
Submission to: Essential Services Commission
Draft for Community Comment Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy Department of Sustainability & the Environment and Draft Water Supply-Demand Strategy for Melbourne 2006-2055
Author: VCOSS
Date: April 2006
Submission to: Department of Sustainability & the Environment
Workforce Participation
Future directions for the Victorian Government Workforce Participation Strategy
Author: VCOSS
Date: April 2006
Submission to: Department for Victorian Communities