2018 will be an election year in Victoria, and the pre-election May budget presents an opportunity to advocate for further investment in areas of entrenched disadvantage and pressing need. We are now planning for the 2018 budget. We plan to make a submission in October 2017 to advocate and influence the development and shape of the 2018 budget.  The issues addressed in that submission would then also feed into advocacy in the lead up to the Victorian election in November 2018. We invite our member organisations, board and committee members to provide us with your priorities and ideas, and other material that you would like to be covered in the budget submission. 

Victorians, and their families, who are experiencing poverty in challenging living and working conditions impeding their ability to live a fulfilling life, should be the focus of the Victorian Budget. We call on the Victorian Government to ensure that Victorians and their families are supported through increasing support for housing, employment, and community strengthening (particularly in geographic areas of need).

Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) has a position vacant for a part time (0.5) Senior Policy Officer in East Melbourne, reporting to the Executive Director of CSSV.

For more information, including an overview, responsibilities and key selection criteria, click here. Applications to HRRecruitment@cam.org.au close 1 May 2017.

This conference, to mark Anti Poverty Week 2013, provided great input and good discussion on serveral aspects of human rights in Australia.

Click here for text of Keynote address by Jacqueline Phillips, Director of Policy and Campaigns, ACOSS, on ‘Australia’s human rights future’

Click here for slides from 'Poverty Reduction Strategies in Australia: the disappointing decades?' by David Hayward, RMIT University

2013 Commissioning Mass and Annual General Meeting
 
Fr Joe Caddy’s homily on our calling as Catholic social services agencies, and Cath Garner’s presentation on ‘Partnering for Mission’, were memorable aspects of our 14 March Commissioning Mass and AGM.  Julie Edwards of Jesuit Social Services and Jan Horsnell of Southern Cross Care were welcomed to the Council of Catholic Social Services Victoria.

In early October 2012, Catholic Social Services Victoria submitted a response