Noticeboard

Quick notes from Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO

Congratulations to new Premier Ted Baillieu and the Coalition for their election victory. VCOSS looks forward to working with the new Government, to continue to address disadvantage in Victoria.

The reasons for the result will be much analysed, but it’s clear that issues such as a critical lack of quality services and cost of living pressures in outer-urban Melbourne have had a big impact on people’s lives – and probably on their votes.

VCOSS has worked over the years with many Coalition MPs on social justice issues, and we had useful discussion on social policy with key spokespeople – and soon-to-be Ministers – in the lead-up to the election. See below for links to that conversation and our analysis of the Coalition’s policies.

We also farewell former Premier John Brumby, his Ministers and staffers, and thank them for their contribution to addressing disadvantage. While many challenges remain, A Fairer Victoria was a particularly important step forward and is part of the reason that Victoria leads the way nationally in social reform and equity.

All the best, Cath.

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VCOSS Board news - new president, board members elected

The VCOSS Board would like to welcome the newly elected members Michelle Burrell, Council to Homeless Persons CEO, and Paul McDonald, Anglicare Victoria CEO, and congratulate disability advocate David Brant on his successful election to a second term.

There has also been a change of office bearers. After serving two years as VCOSS President, Marilyn Webster has stepped down and taken the position of Vice-President. Micaela Cronin has been appointed President.

Our other key office holders are the chairs of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (Eric Passaris), Strategic Policy Committee (Barry Pullen) and Membership Committee (Dale Renner). Click here for a full list of board members.

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VCOSS at work - with a new government, in conversation with the Coalition, the VCOSS Top 20, accessible transport, R&R training

A new government
Over the next few weeks, VCOSS will look at some of the key issues that defined the election and explore what we can expect from the new government. The first obvious message is the need for urgent investment in social infrastructure on Melbourne’s urban fringes. See our blog VCOSS Voice and our media release.

In conversation with the Coalition
Before the election, VCOSS CEO Cath Smith discussed Coalition social policy with Mary Wooldridge (community services), Wendy Lovell (early childhood development), and Martin Dixon (education). Read the transcript or watch here.

The VCOSS Top Twenty
How does the Coalition stack up? VCOSS has examined the Coalition campaign commitments alongside the top 20 priorities in the VCOSS state election platform, Cause not consequence. Click here for the snapshot.
 
Accessible transport
The election campaign may be over but the fight goes on for better access to public transport. Come to the VCOSS forum: Free to Move: planning for action on accessible transport in Victoria. Next Thurs Dec 9, 10am-1pm. This is an accessible event. Register by next Monday with Jennifer Heaney on (03) 9654 5050 or by email. 

Rural and regional training
Looking for training in the role of committees and boards, grant writing, strategic planning, governance, financial literacy, and philanthropy? VCOSS' Rural and Regional Training program will deliver 40 sessions to community sector staff and volunteers across Victoria in 2011. Click here for details or contact Laura Mondon on 03 9654 5050. 

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VCOSS annual general meeting - guest speaker Dr Helen Szoke

Dr. Helen Szoke, Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, addressed the VCOSS AGM on opportunities for community sector leaders to inform and participate in the four year review of the Victoria Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities due in 2011. See her speech notes here.

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Sector at large - equal pay day of action, community sector survey, disability sports festival, High Court ruling on charitable status

Equal pay day of action
VCOSS is endorsing the Equal Pay Day of Action being organised across Australia on Wed 15 Dec at 12noon - outside the Victorian State Library. Hope to see you there. 

Annual community sector survey
The Australian Community Sector Survey is an important advocacy tool for the sector across the country, highlighting pressure points in the community and key issues facing service providers. The survey closes Dec 17. More details here.

Disability sport
Tomorrow’s 2010 Disability Sport and Recreation Festival at Federation Square is the backdrop for the official launch of Disability Sport and Recreation, formerly known as Wheelchair Sports Victoria. See here for more details on moves to make it easier for more people with disabilities to be active and involved. 

Aid/Watch ruling welcome
The High Court this week confirmed the charitable status of Aid/Watch for taxation purposes, whilst preserving its right to freely comment on aid policy - over-ruling the ATO's earlier finding that Aid/Watch's lobbying activities meant its main purpose was political and that it could not be categorised as a charitable institution. See ACOSS' media release here.

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What's on - good reading on OHS

VCOSS has a number of copies in stock, for $25 plus $2.50 for delivery, of Understanding the Model Work Health and Safety Act, written by leading OHS expert Michael Tooma, and Barry Sherriff who was a member of the National OHS Review Panel. Click here to order.

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VCOSS in the news

The State Election saw VCOSS play a significant role in the debate on public policy with our calls for smart social policies making a splash. Our media profile meant we were sought for comment on a wide range of stories and issues and allowed us to enter the discussion around utilities prices and concessions , law and order, housing affordability , and the broader issues of who would form government.

In the lead up to the election VCOSS interviewed key members of the three main parties including the then Premier, John Brumby, members of the incoming Coalition government, Mary Wooldridge, Wendy Lovell and Martin Dixon, and Greens MLC, Colleen Hartland. Cath Smith asked them the hard questions on their social policy priorities and sought commitments on their support for the community sector.

See all our media releases and our blog, the VCOSS Voice, or join the VCOSS social justice debate at www.twitter.com/vcoss.

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