Front cover of the Essential Services Commission Annual Report 2019-2020
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Media releases
16 December 2020

Unprecedented year saw continued benefits to Victorians

Safeguarding the community and protecting the rights of Victorian households and small businesses have been among the main priorities for Victoria’s independent economic regulator during the past year of unprecedented challenges.  

Money and calculator
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Media releases
11 December 2020

Coronavirus financial hardship continues to hit Victoria

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have significant financial impact on Victorian households and small businesses, according to the state’s independent economic regulator. 

An image of Essential Services Commissioner Kate Symons.
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Staff articles
15 December 2020

Support for customers remains vital as we move into new normal: community sector roundtable

Thursday 10 December, 3–4:30 pm (via Zoom) 

A screenshot of virtual attendees at the Essential Services Commission's sixth community sector roundtable in October 2020
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Staff articles
22 October 2020

Once restrictions lift, challenges will still remain: community sector roundtable

Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups are concerned that inconsistent outcomes and ongoing challenges will remain once restrictions have lifted.
Attendees at the Essential Services Commission's fifth community sector roundtable on Zoom, in October 2020
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Staff articles
03 September 2020

Appropriate income support important for vulnerable Victorians: community sector roundtable

Thursday 3 September, 3–4:30 pm (via Zoom)

Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups are concerned about increasing financial difficulties for vulnerable Victorians in the back half of 2020.

Screenshot of virtual attendees at Thriving Communities Partnership webinar in August 2020
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Staff articles
26 August 2020

Navigating coronavirus – commissioner Simon Corden speaks at Thriving Communities Partnership

With an increased need to stay at home raising the cost of utility bills, coupled with a downturn in the Australian economy, having a clear role for regulators to help Victorians navigate the coronavirus pandemic is more important than ever.
An image of Essential Services Commissioner Kate Symons.
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Staff articles
16 July 2020

Community sector roundtable #4 - Chair’s notes

Thursday 16 July, 3:00-4:30pm (via Zoom)

Representatives from Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups say the return to restrictions is already being felt in the community particularly in terms of the impact on mental health.

Regulating with consumer vulnerability in mind

Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity draft strategy

The Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity draft strategy is the next stage of our work that began with Getting to Fair 2021-2024. 

The aim of Getting to Fair 2021-2024 was to address barriers to accessing essential services, with a focus on the experience of consumers experiencing vulnerability. Getting to Fair included our definition of consumer vulnerability, which continues to guide our work.

Advancing Equity builds on Getting to Fair 2021-2024 and is aligned with our Strategic Plan 2025-2029. Our updated strategy broadens our approach to also address the systems-level barriers that impact how people access essential services.

You can read our draft strategy below. 

Consultation on our draft strategy closed on Wednesday 18 February 2026. We are currently considering all feedback as we finalise our strategy.

Please visit Engage Victoria to register for updates on this project. 

18 December 2025
Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity - Draft strategy for consultation (PDF)
(pdf, 1.26 MB)
18 December 2025
Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity - Draft strategy for consultation (word version)
(docx, 2.92 MB)
Sector
Corporate
Date
Consultation closes 18 February 2026
Screenshot of virtual attendees at urgent roundtable with senior community help sector representatives in April 2020
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Staff articles
09 April 2020

Regulator told full economic impact of coronavirus on households still to come

Essential Services Commission chair Kate Symons hosted an urgent roundtable with senior community help sector representatives to hear directly about how coronavirus is affecting consumers.

Chairperson and commissioner Kate Symons sitting behind a desk.
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Staff articles
02 April 2020

Coronavirus update

A message from our chair, Kate Symons

The coronavirus pandemic is challenging our community in new ways. Many consumers and businesses are experiencing financial distress and uncertainty - and the broader impact on our lives will not be known for some time.

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