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Community Panel recommends SA concessions reform to help address cost-of-living challenges

South Australians on low incomes and living with disabilities should be prioritised for concessions support, according to a new SACOSS report.

The report is based on findings from a community panel of 33 South Australians from a diverse range of backgrounds, which was formed last year to make a contribution to the state government’s review of concessions.

The community panel recognised that concessions are an important tool for addressing cost of living challenges for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Its main finding was that people on low incomes and living with disabilities should be prioritised for concessions eligibility before criteria such as age, housing status or contribution to society.

These issues are often interlinked, but eligibility for many concessions is currently based on age, Centrelink categories or other factors, rather than being based primarily on income or need.

The panel’s priority areas for concessions support are:

  • Energy and water bills
  • General cost of living 
  • Medical assistance
  • Public transport

The community panel was made up of a cross-section of everyday South Australians, including a mix of genders, ages, locations and backgrounds, as well featuring people with and without direct experience of concessions. The panel process involved initial briefings from community stakeholder groups and a preliminary survey, a one-day workshop in September, and follow-up online sessions and surveys.

This produced a Citizens’ Statement on the principles of concessions, and a separate statement applying those principles to ambulance, transport and energy concessions.

Human Services Minister the Hon. Nat Cook MP addressed the September workshop and has received the report as a contribution to the government’s current review of concessions.

The full report (and accompanying supplementary report on survey results) is available on the SACOSS website.

The community panel process was commissioned by SACOSS and supported by Mannifera and the Wyatt Trust. It was facilitated by democracyCo. 

Quotes attributable to SACOSS Acting CEO Dr Rebecca Tooher 

SACOSS’ major report  on concessions in 2021 found that the state’s concessions system was broken. Amongst other things, it was a system consisting of poor targeting, barriers to access and poverty premiums.

This panel and its findings were important because it is represents much more than simply restating what we already know are the problems – the community members put considerable time and thought into what will make the system better.

We know the government is reviewing concessions now, and our hope is that the funding necessary for improving the system is in the next state budget. We also hope that the government takes into account the views of the Community Panel in making these improvements.

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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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.

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