Monthly Archives: September 2015

Sep 30

Affordable and appropriate insurance for people on low incomes

One in five adults in Australia do not have general insurance cover for their contents, car or home. This lack

Climate of Change: Briefing Papers – Entire set

These briefing papers, prepared by VCOSS in consultation with other members of the Ageing, Disability and Mental Health Collaborative Panel,

Sep 29

Victoria’s 10-year Mental Health Strategy: a valuable opportunity

Poor mental health is affected by, and contributes to poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion. Responsibility for laying the foundations for

VCOSS Submission to 10-year Mental Health Strategy

Sep 28

Creating an inclusive education system for students with additional health and development needs

Access to and success in education is critical in eliminating disadvantage and giving every child the opportunity to reach their

Sep 27

Students facing disadvantage and disability at risk of “double jeopardy”

Too many Victorian school students with disability and additional health and development needs are being left out by a support

Sep 25

Rental reform is an opportunity for fairer, safer housing

Safe, secure and affordable housing is the bedrock of a good life. A home is the basis from which people

Sep 24

Education key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage

A quality education is key to developing an inclusive society and economy. Too many children and young people have missed

Sep 18

Application for broad public transport accessibility exemption should be denied

An application to exempt public transport operators from meeting accessibility standards for people with disability should be denied, says the

Sep 17

Report recommends strengthening protection of human rights for vulnerable Victorians

The Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities tabled in the Victorian Parliament today provides a range of

Ombudsman report shows it is time to rethink approach to crime

VCOSS welcomes the recommendations of the Victorian Ombudsman in her Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria

Sep 15

Review of the Program for Students with Disabilities

Definition of Terms Additional health and development needs (AHDN) Students with additional health and development needs are those who have

Regional Transport Development Plan

VCOSS welcomes this opportunity to contribute to consultation on the Regional Network Development Plan. We welcome the focus on transport

VET helps Victorians facing disadvantage gain skills and employment opportunities

VET is important in supporting the Victorian economy and community, and provides an important pathway to employment for many people

Sep 14

VCOSS Submission to the VET Funding Review Issues Paper – August 2015

VCOSS recognises the key role that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector plays in supporting the Victorian economy and

VCOSS welcomes education funding targeted to break the cycle of disadvantage

The Victorian Council of Social Service today welcomed the significant education funding commitments made by the Andrews Government, delivering on

Sep 10

Hazelwood Mine Fire continues to impact on vulnerable community members

The VCOSS Submission to the 2015 re-opened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports the ongoing concern about the long term physical

Sep 9

A good retirement needs decent income, housing, health and aged care

With an ageing population, Australians are having a debate about how to ensure that we have a decent standard of

Residential Tenancies Act Review

VCOSS welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Victorian Government’s Review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (the Review). In this submission VCOSS outlines

Anti-Poverty Week: Exploring poverty and fostering community resilience

Every year organisations across Australia participate in Anti-Poverty Week, which in 2015 will take place from 11-17 October. The week

Sep 8

Energy issues for low-income households – September 2015

Energy supply is a basic household need. People’s lighting, refrigeration, communications, cooking, heating and cooling facilities all rely on it.

Sep 7

Disadvantaged young people need better education support

A State Government report has found broad community consensus that too many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are missing out

Sep 2

Inquiry into the Portability of Long Service Leave entitlements

The Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee of the Victorian Parliament is inquiring into the portability of long service leave

Sep 1

Energy hardship review must put customers first

Stronger protections and better support for energy customers facing hardship must be at the centre of any response to Victoria’s