How we create impact
We operate at the intersection of government, social purpose, business and philanthropic sectors, and appreciate the opportunities and challenges each sector brings to solving issues of disadvantage.
Our work supports SVA by developing evidence-based, innovative, real-world solutions to influence policy, practice and funding. The Policy and Advocacy team distil insights from across the organisation, undertake research and policy analysis and engage diverse stakeholders alongside our partners to identify opportunities for influence and impact.

Policy and Advocacy influences systems to change lives.
We work to inform and influence governments, policymakers and the not for profit sector to create largescale impact.
Our successes are SVA’s successes – our work, including our series of perspective papers on key SVA expert areas, are often instrumental in making sure projects hit the ground running with a clear understanding on policy landscapes, key stakeholders, and opportunities to drive change.
We’re currently advocating for innovative policy solutions on:
- quality jobs for young people
- growing the impact investing sector
- supporting the charity sector
- improving equitable outcomes in the early years, through our Restacking the Odds partnership
P+A supports our expert areas through system analysis, identifying the drivers of change, and scoping opportunities for impact.

Our top publications
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Paying What it Takes
This collaborative report from SVA, CSI and Philanthropy Australia explores the true cost of creating change in our society.
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Alcohol and Other Drug Use and the Risk of Entrenched Disadvantage in Australia
The perspective paper draws on SVA’s experience working across sectors to support all people and communities to thrive, including working with a range of organisations that operate within and alongside the AOD support sectors.
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Response to the Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools
SVA’s submission to the Review makes the case for an independent evidence broker for investments in education programs.
Meet our team
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Director, Policy & Advocacy Rosie Hodson
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Associate Director, Government Relations Julia Steward
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Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Sophia Hunter-Rose
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Policy Manager, Policy and Advocacy (VIC) Jacqui McCann