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Community Service Funding and Public Housing Head SACOSS Election Platform

Community Service Funding and Public Housing Head SACOSS Election Platform

Better funding for the state’s community services sector and more public housing headline the South Australian Council of Social Service’s  state election policy platform released today.

SACOSS is the peak body for the state’s community services and non-governmental health sectors. Its election platform has 11 specific proposals across 5 key areas: community service funding, housing, energy, human rights, and health. Full details are available on the SACOSS website: https://sacoss.org.au/sa-election-2026/.

The policy proposals have been developed and put to government over the last year, but are being released publicly today and SACOSS has written to all parties seeking a response in the lead to the state election. SACOSS will publish a report card scoring the parties on their policies and responses in these key areas in the week before the election.

The need for better funding community services heads the SACOSS platform. SACOSS research released last year shows the real value of funding of services has dropped by more than 5% over the last few years at a time when demand for many services is increasing. The platform calls for the adoption of a formula to guarantee funding keeps pace with rising service costs and catch-up funding to make up for the funding shortfall this year.

Public housing is also central to the SACOSS policy proposals. Productivity Commission data released last week shows the first material increase in the numbers of public housing dwellings this century. This delivered on a key Labor promise from the last election, but its Housing Roadmap shows that the funding and drive to build more public housing will stall from next year. SACOSS is calling for the current levels of investment and building to be sustained over the longer term.

SACOSS is also calling for minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties and a roadmap to electrification to help households minimise energy costs, and steps towards Human Rights Act to put our rights on a firmer footing.

In addition to its election platform, SACOSS – in partnership with InDaily and Uniting Communities – is hosting a special election event on Wednesday 25 February.

‘Balancing Power: A Legislative Council Election Panel’  will be an opportunity to hear from candidates vying for the last couple of seats in the upper house who may hold the balance of power post-election. More information and complimentary registrations are available at: https://sacoss.org.au/balancing-power-legislative-council-election-panel/

Quotes attributable to Dr Catherine Earl, SACOSS CEO

The SACOSS platform focuses on what should be key concerns for all parties to address inequality and assist those who are most in need in South Australia.

We need to start by properly funding the vital community services which support vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians. SACOSS had asked for additional sector funding via indexation supplementation in the Mid-Year Budget Review in December – but with no extra funding forthcoming, the financial situation of many sector organisations is getting desperate and risks cuts or closure of services.

It should also come as no surprise that action to address housing and energy costs is at the heart of the SACOSS platform. These are basic needs, but they are not affordable and increasingly inaccessible for many households, which impacts on people’s health, work and life opportunities, and their ability to participate in the community.

We look forward to hearing how the parties at this election will respond to the key issues and proposals in our platform.

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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.