State budget
In May each year, the Victorian Government publishes its budget for the year ahead, detailing spending in every area of State Government programs. Decisions in the budget affect the level of services and infrastructure available to low income and disadvantaged Victorians, the distribution of taxes, and the concessions and benefits that households receive.
This means that influencing the Budget is incredibly important to achieve VCOSS' goal of advocating for the development of a sustainable, fair and equitable society. Each year VCOSS develops a state budget submission to Government to influence budget decisions. This submission is distributed to all members of Victorian parliament, to key public servants and is available on the website.
VCOSS State Budget Submission 2008-2009
VCOSS State Budget Submission Executive Summary 2008-2009
VCOSS State Budget Submission 2007-2008
VCOSS State Budget Submission 2007-2008
Following the Budget release, VCOSS publishes an analysis of that year’s spending decisions.
VCOSS State Budget Analysis 2007-08
This is because Government starts to make budget decisions as early as November. VCOSS reinforces our budget messages with media and direct lobbying of Cabinet Ministers and the Treasurer. In 2006 VCOSS also developed a document to influence each parties policy platforms leading into the 2006 State Election.
Very soon after the budget is complete VCOSS starts working on the next budget submission to publish in October. In 2007, VCOSS is changing the budget format to produce two related policy documents.
- Each VCOSS policy area will produce a general policy platform to refresh our policy positions in this area.
- From these platforms, which will outline both long and short term priorities and proposed legislative reforms as well as spending proposals, VCOSS will develop a brief budget submission outlining key budget priorities for the year.
We are inviting all VCOSS members to participate in this policy development process by attending a series of policy forums. These will be held in the VCOSS Board Room (Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street). Only members can attend and rsvps to vcoss@vcoss.org.au are essential. Find out more information about membership.
Dates as follows:
Energy and water – Monday 25 June, 2-4pm
Health and wellbeing – Tuesday 26 June, 2-4pm
Housing and homelessness – Thursday 28 June, 2-4pm
Human rights – Friday 29 June, 10-12pm
Transport – Monday 2 July 2-4pm
Human rights – Tuesday 3 July, 2-4pm
Community sector development, training and partnerships – Tuesday 10 July – 2-4pm
Justice – Wednesday 18 July, 2-4pm
Education and training – tbc