Thursday, 22 June 2023

Emma King OAM

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services) (10:01): I rise to acknowledge Emma King, the chief executive officer of the Victorian Council of Social Service, who was last week awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through social welfare organisations. Emma is a longstanding advocate for vulnerable Victorians and was recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours. Emma King has been the CEO of VCOSS since 2013, the peak body for Victoria’s social and community sector. In her role Emma leads the council’s work to advocate for a Victoria free from poverty and disadvantage, where all people and communities are supported to thrive.

Previous to this role Emma was the CEO of the Early Learning Association Australia, formerly Kindergarten Parents Victoria, the peak organisation representing parents and providers of early learning services in Victoria. Emma also has an extensive background in the public sector and in workforce and education issues, having worked as a Victorian policy adviser, a teacher, in a range of industrial and training roles at the Victorian Independent Education Union and the Finance Sector Union. Emma represents VCOSS in a range of ministerial advisory groups and committees, serves on numerous boards and is a regular commentator on social affairs. Emma is a champion of wellbeing and inclusive growth. She provides a strong voice of leadership and advocacy on social justice issues for the community sector. Only yesterday here in Queen’s Hall Emma was a panellist in a conversation discussing the topic ‘Partnering for a poverty-free Victoria’.

I want to congratulate Emma on this honour. It is wonderful to see her recognised for her work to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in our society.