Why Does this Matter?
All South Australians – who live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world – should have access to incomes and income supports that enable a dignified and healthy standard of living.
Employment needs to be healthy, secure and appropriately remunerated. People who are not employed need support to find a path into paid work, and/or be properly supported when they are not employed.
Income support should truly cover the basics and provide people with opportunity – instead of the current level that is below the poverty line and administered punitively.
South Australians shouldn’t have to rely on food charities. Wages and income support should be enough to allow people to afford nutritious food that suits their cultural needs.
What does SACOSS Want?
Raise the Rate
With our State and Territory counterparts, we support the Australian Council of Social Service’s national efforts to raise the rate of JobSeeker and other income support similar payments . We also support reforms to employment services and the system of mutual obligations so that unemployed people are genuinely helped to find rewarding work and not subjected to a series of demeaning punishments.
If you are on a low or fixed income your household could be eligible for up to $1,100 in annual financial support.
ConcessionsSA offers a Cost of Living payment and help with energy, water, sewerage, medical heating and cooling, and the Emergency Services Levy.
So it’s worth checking this website to see if you’re eligible and exactly what concessions are available.
FOOD ACCESS
Despite Australia’s wealth, many South Australians struggle to afford nutritious food that meets their cultural needs. To understand this better, SACOSS and Democracy Co hosted community conversations in April-June 2024. Over 300 people participated, leading to a report with recommendations for improving food access, especially for vulnerable communities.
HEALTH AND WAGED POVERTY
Earning low wages, or “waged poverty,” can negatively impact your health. Our project is the first in Australia to examine this link. We’ll analyse experiences from South Australians and propose solutions to improve health outcomes for those facing waged poverty.
cost of living
Understanding the economics of poverty leads to considered solutions to disadvantage. SACOSS produces quarterly Cost of Living Updates which examine the latest Consumer Price Index figures from the perspective of low-income households.
We use ABS data to determine the cost of living pressures for low income earners. We summarise income changes and price movements, as well as analyse cost of living pressures in particular expenditure areas. The reports also include recommendations for policies to address these issues.
LIVING STANDARDS Publications
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