Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is
Queensland’s peak body for the social service sector.

Our vision is to achieve equality, opportunity and
wellbeing for every person, in every community.

Equality, Opportunity and Wellbeing.
Our Strategic Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Values
Our Constitution

For 65 years, we’ve been the champions for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage in communities across the breadth of Queensland – from Torres Strait to the Tweed, from Burketown to Burleigh – in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.

We create positive social change through our work in advocacy, policy development, engaging and empowering the social service sector and communities. We’re committed to self-determination and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We believe that every person in Queensland – regardless of where they come from, who they pray to, their gender, who they love, how or where they live – deserves to live a life of equality, opportunity and wellbeing.

We are a conduit for change. We bring people together to help solve the big social issues faced by people in Queensland, building strength in numbers to amplify our voice. We connect communities, our members, the sector, other peak bodies, government and business, collaborating with our diverse stakeholders to create social change.

QCOSS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of Australia and recognises these unique cultures as part of the cultural heritage of all Australians. We support their right to self-determination. We pay our respect to the Elders of this land; past and present.

We’re driven by an aspiration for a better future for every person, in every Queensland community.

When the community services sectoris strong, connected, engaged and mobilised,significant positive change will occur.

Our Strategic Plan: 2023-2028

Our work is evidence-based, focused on the whole of Queensland and reflects the views and perspectives of our members. Our members share our vision and are deeply involved in our work.

We bring our members, the community sector, other peak bodies, government, business and the community together. Excellent relationships and partnerships are at the core of everything we do.

In our Strategic Plan for 2023-2028, we’re renewing our
focus on Equality, Opportunity and Wellbeing for all Queenslanders.

  • Build the density, diversity and connectedness of our organisational membership, using this strength to achieve change.
  • Solidify QCOSS’ reputation as the independent advocate for a fair and just Queensland.
  • Create change that benefits people who are otherwise disadvantaged and ensure government policies, laws and investment do not cause or perpetuate disadvantage.
  • Support the full realisation of the right of First Nations Peoples to self-determination.

  • Build a deep understanding of the entire community services sector in Queensland.
  • Strive for excellence with the community services sector in Queensland.
  • Partner to build the workforce the sector needs now and in the future.
  • Transform funding for community services in Queensland.

  • Cultivate a culture that supports highly valued and engaged staff to deliver excellent, impactful work.
  • Maintain systems that ensure we have the capability and resources to work together, collect data, develop evidence, engage effectively and deliver on projects.
  • Ensure we have the resources to be influential, powerful and high performing, including increasing revenue from non-government sources.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

QCOSS’ Innovate RAP (2023-2025) is our third Reconciliation Action Plan, created in partnership with BlackCard, a 100% Indigenous-owned business certified by Supply Nation, with additional guidance from Reconciliation Queensland. This RAP is foundational to our Strategic Plan (2023-2028), which is committed to supporting First Nations peoples’ rights to self-determination. Endorsed by our Board and championed by the CEO, our RAP solidifies QCOSS’ dedication to reconciliation, emphasising actionable steps to foster unity and respect within our organisation and across the sector.

Our RAP is informed and underpinned by the five dimensions of reconciliation:

All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld.

The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.

An Australian society that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared national identity.

All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia makes amends for past policies and practices ensuring these wrongs are never repeated.