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Housing

Policy
Publications

Why Does it Matter?

Affordable housing is the foundation of a decent life. In South Australia increasing numbers of people rent, but lack of available rental properties and unaffordable rents are now a major driver of poverty and homelessness.

Renters are particularly impacted by higher housing costs. They are likely to have relatively low incomes and spend proportionately more of their income on housing than other households. For those on income support, rental housing is often simply unaffordable.

Much public housing stock and many private rentals are old and energy inefficient. Heating and cooling that is inefficient or expensive to run is another cost that disproportionately affects low-income tenants. Mandatory minimum efficiency standards could address this.

In 2023, the state government passed legislation improving renters’ rights in a number of areas, including rights for pet owners and protections against evictions for no cause. However, these reforms did not address issues of affordability.

People shouldn’t be spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Action is needed to ensure that the one of our most basic needs – shelter – is affordable for all.

What does SACOSS Want?

More public and community housing
To provide housing for those who are left out of the housing market and to increase housing supply overall, we need substantial state government investment to build much more new public and community housing. This needs to go further than the current Housing Roadmap – we must maintain current levels of building in 2027 and beyond.

Minimum energy efficiency standards
Making rental homes more energy efficient means renters will be warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and have more affordable energy bills. Without a mandatory minimum standard for rental homes, renters are left with little power to ensure their homes are healthy and affordable to live in.

Mandatory disclosure of home energy efficiency
People need to know the full cost of living in their home, whether they’re buying or renting. Requiring energy performance disclosure at the point of lease or sale ensures they’re fully informed about their future energy expenses, helping them determine affordability upfront.

Cap rents
Rent increases for existing tenants should be capped at the level of inflation indicated by the Consumer Price Index to give certainty to tenants and prevent price gouging.

Redefining ‘affordable housing’
The definition of affordable housing used by the state government in planning and development is not affordable. We need a definition and price point that allows those on low-moderate incomes to borrow enough money for purchase and keep their mortgage payments below 30% of their income.

Vacancy taxes
Additional land taxes or rates applied to vacant properties and short-stay accommodation to provide incentive for landowners to put homes back into the long-term housing market.

Homelessness Services
The housing crisis is pushing people into homelessness or risk of homelessness, and services are not currently resourced to meet demand. The government must develop a roadmap for support for homeless people, including a whole of government engagement and increased service supports and funding.

Project Title XYZ

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HOUSING Publications

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JEREMY BROWN

Jeremy is currently the Chief Executive at Uniting Communities and is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, values-driven organisational culture that places people and community at its core. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring that Uniting Communities continues to deliver inclusive and impactful services to more than 80,000 South Australians each year.

His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Novita Services and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Care (SA). He has also had a long-standing association with SACOSS where he served as a member of their Policy Council.

MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.