Policy advocacy

QCOSS advocates for social change – focused on poverty and inequality – that is also economically and environmentally responsible. We advance this by: Researching evidence for policy development that meets the priorities and needs of Queenslanders experiencing poverty and inequality; Developing clear, evidence-based policy positions; and Using these to influence policy-making related to the needs of Queenslanders experiencing poverty and inequality.
Policy Paper Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Nov 2009
This paper outlines QCOSS’ policy position regarding the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and QCOSS recommendations for better addressing these issues.
Policy Paper Ageing
Nov 2009
This policy paper outlines the key issues faced by Queensland's aged and outlines QCOSS' recommended responses from Governments including providing adequate income support, concessions and support services which are responsive to the needs of the aged.
Policy Paper Child Protection
Nov 2009
This paper outlines QCOSS' position in relation to the protection of children and families in Queensland including the key issues and recommendations for action to better address the needs of Queenslanders.
Policy Paper Climate Change and Energy
Nov 2009
Many Queenslanders find themselves facing fuel poverty - unable to afford the energy they need to maintain an adequate standard of living. In this paper we outline our policy position in relation to Climate Change and Energy and make recommendations for reform to address the issue.
Report Cost of Living Report - Issue 1 Update (Dec 2011)
Dec 2011
Policy Paper Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
May 2011
People, regardless of race, religion, ethnic or cultural backgrounds, have the right to access services, be included, participate freely and have fair opportunities in civil society. While some people from CALD backgrounds experience success and enjoy positive outcomes, the current reality is that a significant proportion of people from CALD communities experience barriers, prejudice, discrimination and racism.
Policy Paper Employment and Community Participation
Nov 2009
Our policy position regarding employment and community participation outlines the key issues inhibiting disadvantaged Queenslanders from participation in the workforce and community. The paper also outlines our recommendations for addressing these issues.
Policy Paper Health Equity and Access
Aug 2011
Some people miss out on health services or access them too late for effective preventative intervention or treatment. More accessible and equitable access to health care benefits individuals, communities and society as a whole.
Policy Paper Homelessness
Aug 2010
Outlines QCOSS policy posiotion in relation to homelessness including the key issues and QCOSS recommendations for addressing them.
Policy Paper Mental Health
Sep 2011
Poor mental health is associated with a high level of distress and disability and contributes to social exclusion and isolation. This paper outlines QCOSS policy position in relation to the mental health of Queenslanders including key issues and recommendations for addressing those issues.
Policy Paper Oral Health
Jul 2011
Adequate oral health care is out of reach for many low income Queenslanders. Many disadvantaged groups are more at risk of poor oral health. This paper outlines the issues and makes recommendations for a more equitable oral health system.
Policy Paper People with Disability
Nov 2009
This policy paper outlines the issues, challenges, systemic disadvantage and barriers to opportunity faced by Queenslanders living with a disability. It outlines QCOSS' policy position in relation to these issues and our recommendations for addressing them.
Policy Paper Poverty and Social Exclusion
Nov 2009
QCOSS policy position in regards to poverty and social exclusion in Queensland. Explores these issues and presents recommendations for addressing them.
Policy Paper Prevention and Early Intervention
Nov 2009
QCOSS' 2009 position paper on prevention and early intervention outlines our continued position – there is an urgent need to look at the level of investment, the targeting of the investment, and the coordination, implementation and evaluation of the investment.
Submission QCOSS Submission to Floods Inquiry 2011
May 2011
If we get it wrong, and those at risk fall into poverty, it could mean 30 per cent of Queenslanders, or 1.2 million people, living in poverty. Further, children who grow up in poverty are more likely to live in poverty as adults. This makes it even more important that the way we plan to recover from disasters does not lead to further escalation or entrenchment of these issues.
Policy Paper Reducing Incarceraton
Nov 2009
This policy paper outlines QCOSS' 2009 policy position on reducing incarceration and explores the key issues including: Rehabilitation and Release Practices, Move‐on Powers and Public Order Policing, Reducing Indigenous Imprisonment and Juvenile Justice. It concludes by outlining QCOSS recommendations for addressing these issues.
Policy Paper Regional, Rural and Remote Communities
Nov 2009
In this paper QCOSS highlights the particular pressures on rural and remote areas in Queensland and outlines our policy position in relation to these pressures. We again implore the government to deliver adequate levels of service, and facilitate reliable access to these services, through ongoing attention to regional development mechanisms.
Policy Paper Responsible Gambling
Nov 2009
QCOSS policy position paper regarding gambling in Queensland outlining the implications of problem gambling for disadvantaged Queenslanders and our recommendations for action and reform.
Policy Paper Social Determinants of Health
Aug 2011
This paper outlines QCOSS' policy position in relation to the health of disadvantaged Queenslanders including the key issues and recommendations for addressing those issues.
Policy Paper Violence Prevention
Nov 2009
This policy paper outlines QCOSS' policy position in relation to the prevention of violence and explores the effects that domestic and family violence has on Queensland as a whole and in particular those suffering poverty and disadvantage. It concludes by making recommendations for addressing the problem.