Showcasing our 93-year history tackling poverty in Victoria

In June we spoke to 78 Victorian Members of Parliament, (which is 61% of Parliament's 128 MPs), at our inaugural three-day expo at Parliament House.

We showcased our programs, research and policy work addressing disadvantage and prompted discussion on how we can partner for a poverty-free Victoria. This was also the first week Parliament House had been open to the public since COVID-19 restrictions ceased.

In an inspiring live BSL Talks, we discussed how partnerships with all tiers of government, the business sector and others, are needed to achieve a poverty free Victoria. The panel, hosted by Hutch Hussein, featured our Executive Director, Travers McLeod, CEO of the Grattan Institute, Danielle Wood, and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) CEO, Emma King.

Government Services Minister, Danny Pearson MP introduced a panel discussion on how the Victorian Government’s social procurement policy has fostered inclusive employment opportunities. He also praised partnerships BSL has harnessed with employers such as civil engineering company Fulton Hogan. 

Through BSL’s Given the Chance , Fulton Hogan has employed more than 30 people across Victoria, creating meaningful long-term employment outcomes and breaking the cycle of disadvantage. We met program participant Hind Osman, who spoke about the support she received from BSL and the life-changing impact her employment as an engineer has had on her and her family.

Another expo highlight was the launch of two reports from our Social Policy and Research Centre (SPARC). The Minister for Education and Women, Natalie Hutchins MP launched Flip it! Reframing issues affecting women's economic security in Seymour which, adopting a gender lens, flips the narrative from focusing on disadvantages to building opportunities for women. There was strong interest in how this research approach could be used to investigate circumstances in other towns and regions.

Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Paul Edbrooke MP, launched 'Support Online: user experiences of digital platforms in the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) market report. The report shows that while online platforms are offering people with disability increased choice and control over service delivery, regulatory frameworks aren't keeping up with protecting people with disability or workers and that there isn't sufficient training in the space.

We’re grateful to all who took part in the Expo for their contributions in how we can work together to prevent and end poverty. We look forward to building on the opportunities created by the expo as we continue to drive lasting change in our communities.