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Cost of living, housing and regional initiatives highlight SACOSS 24-25 budget submission

Helping low-income South Australian households through cost of living, housing and regional initiatives is the focus of SACOSS’ 2024-25 budget submission to the state government released today.

The submission contains 11 main proposals, including calling for the state government to: 

  • Increase concessions and broaden the eligibility criteria to remove poverty premiums and ensure that everyone who needs them can access support 
  • Build more social housing and adjust property taxes to increase housing supply 
  • Support households in obtaining greater energy efficiency by helping fund an improved Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme; and assist households to make use of the smart meter roll out 
  • Fund human services planning for the Upper Spencer Gulf. This should sit alongside the current infrastructure and workforce planning to ensure that no-one is harmed or left behind in the region’s new industrial developments. 
  • Allocate $10m per year to a Regional Digital Inclusion Fund. Addressing needs identified in our Keys to the Digital World report, this fund would support libraries, community centres and others to help people without computers or devices, and people with limited digital skills and ability, to get online to access vital information and government services.
  • Extend and/or develop water pricing subsidies for remote areas. This would provide greater equity in the provision of an essential service so that remote residents outside the WA Water network pay the equivalent of SA Water supply charges.

Quotes attributable to SACOSS Acting CEO Dr Rebecca Tooher 

It is no surprise that housing and cost of living issues are central to our budget submission, because these are the issue causing great pain in our community – particularly for those on low incomes.

We know the government has done considerable work in looking at the current concessions system and scoping reform options. We need to see reforms, appropriately funded, that result in a concessions system that is fairer for the people most in need of concessions assistance.

Similarly, we welcome the turnaround in government provision of social housing, but after 30 years of decline in the public housing estate, we need to keep investing to ease supply pressures in the market while keeping pace with population growth and maintenance requirements. In the private market, a vacancy tax could increase effective housing supply, while an opt-in annual land tax in place of stamp duty payable on purchase could help people buy and sell houses more easily. 

With the energy bill relief payments currently supporting households due to end next year, our submission also points to the need for government investment in energy efficiency to assist low-income households.

Our budget submission also reflects our research across SA’s regions, along with what we hear from our members in those areas.

It is clear that massive developments planned for the Upper Spencer Gulf – while positive for jobs and economic development – need to be accompanied by an appropriate level of human services planning and engagement with impacted communities.

Our Upper Spencer Gulf human services planning proposal is modest in terms of expenditure, but would have a significant impact on a region which has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the planned economic growth work for everyone.

We also know that our issues like digital inclusion and the cost of water in remote areas are major concerns.

Digital inclusion support is vital in regional South Australia as more and more services leave regional towns and go online, and water pricing is just about basic fairness for remote communities. 

It is imperative that the Government directs funding to address these issues because South Australians urgently need action to be taken to improve their lives and offer relief.

 

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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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SACOSS acknowledges the traditional owners of unceded country throughout South Australia, and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and culture. We recognise the sovereignty and cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

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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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