This options paper covers possible changes to the means test and contributions policy, which have been suggested and informed by a consultation process with clients, partners and the public. A number of possible changes are interrelated. We want to know what you think about the possible options for reform.
The options paper is broken down into four different sections. Part A examines what disadvantage looks like in Australia today. If you want to find out the range of options we have outlined, you can go straight to Part B of the paper. If you’re more interested on the feedback we have received to date and what we consulted on, you can check out Part D of the paper. Alternatively, if you want to know how we are preparing for the sustainability of changes to the means test, you can find this information located in Part C.
Introduction to the options paper
Part A – How do we measure eligibility?
- What does disadvantage look like?
- Do other organisations assess eligibility better?
- Download Means Test Review – Part A – how do we measure eligibility (docx, 1.83 MB)
Part B – Making the means test better
- What does our current means test look like?
- What options do we have to make our means test better?
- Download Means Test Review – Part B – making the means test better (docx, 813.21 KB)
Part C – Future focus
- How do we create a more sustainable means test?
- What impact will changes to the means test have on others?
- Download Means Test Review – Part C – future focus (docx, 547.58 KB)
Part D – What you told us
- What have people told us so far?
- Download Means Test Review – Part D – what you told us (docx, 487.34 KB)
Appendix
Submissions to the options paper
- Means Test Review – Submission – Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (docx, 56.06 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Council to Homeless Persons (pdf, 451.19 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Fitzroy Legal Service (docx, 71.92 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Gippsland Community Legal Service (pdf, 589.09 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (docx, 1.77 MB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Inner Melbourne Community Legal (pdf, 356.92 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Murray Mallee Community Legal Service (pdf, 338.66 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Peninsula Community Legal Centre (doc, 95 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (pdf, 322.35 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Victorian Council of Social Service (pdf, 654.16 KB)
- Means Test Review – Submission – Women's Legal Service Victoria (pdf, 1.45 MB)
Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
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Reviewed 17 March 2022