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Concessions relief in state budget a welcome beginning

Concessions relief in state budget a welcome beginning

Today’s state budget will provide meaningful support to those South Australians who need it most, according to the South Australian Council of Social Service.

“We welcome the strong emphasis on concessions and other measures by the state government to support the lowest income households,” SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley says.

“There’s more work to do in transport and health concessions but this is a really significant package of improvements.

“We would have liked to have seen a similar investment in other areas that are having a real impact on South Australians, including funding for mental health and digital inclusion, and even more investment in social housing.”

“We were pleased to see generational investments in early childhood services and programs, and workforce skills and trainings – these are strategic, long-term investments that should benefit the entire community.

“And we also welcome other targeted initiatives such as the extra $18.4m available for further support for NGOs, which we believe will supplement indexation payments, and $20m for 8000 not-for-profit and small business NFP organisations to co-invest in energy efficiency equipment or improvements that reduce energy usage and costs.”

For a fuller picture of SACOSS’s response to the budget, please download the SACOSS State Budget Snapshot which will be available soon.

CONCESSIONS

SACOSS welcomes:

  • Once-off additional $243.90 payment expected by end of current financial year
  • Doubling of payment for tenants and Cmmonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders (matching that of homeowners)
  • Access to public transport fare concession for all Health Card holders
  • Expansion of eligibility measures for people living in sharehouses, such as access to concessions and increasing support for Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme
  • Expansion of access to concessions for asylum seekers
  • Extension of access to Glasses SA concessions

“We look forward to further working with the government to continue this progress in concessions, including ensuring people on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, or on very low incomes, get access to concessions for ambulance cover, motor registrations and drivers licenses.”  

 

HOUSING

SACOSS notes investments in housing, including a $30m regional housing program.

“We have argued consistently that to make a genuine impact on the current housing crisis, the government needs to be building at least 1000 public and community houses a year,” Mr Womersley says.

“Today’s budget goes nowhere near the level of investment in social housing we believe is required.

“The decision to give away stamp duty for first-time new home buyers is poorly targeted. We believe better assistance could have been provided by adopting our proposal for an opt-in land tax alternative.”

 

MENTAL HEALTH

SACOSS notes the government’s small investment in youth mental health services – but remains deeply concerned about 19,000 South Australians identified in the government’s own report whose unmet mental health needs were not addressed in today’s budget

 

DIGITAL INCLUSION

SACOSS has long recognised the problem of an increasingly digital world for citizens struggling with access, affordability and digital capability.

Today’s budget has a focus on digital or virtual services for police and health system, but no complementary investments to ensure all South Australians can receive the benefits of digital technologies.

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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.