No energy bill or housing relief in sight, SACOSS warns at price gouging inquiry

South Australians – particularly those on lower incomes – are being disproportionately impacted by rising housing and energy costs, SACOSS has warned the ACTU price gouging inquiry today – and the situation is only expected to get worse.

The Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Pricing Practices, chaired by former ACCC Chairman Professor Allan Fels, is examining the cause and effects of price gouging on the Australian people.

SACOSS Acting CEO Dr Rebecca Tooher told the Inquiry that the most recent available data shows that energy and housing prices are where the greatest stress is being placed on SA households, with people on low incomes and experiencing disadvantage the most deeply affected.

South Australian energy consumers:

  • pay the highest electricity price per unit in the National Energy Market, and the most unaffordable energy of any mainland state – despite having among the lowest average household electricity usage
  • have the largest average residential energy debt in the NEM
  • face the highest extra costs associated with energy network-generated supernormal profits.

The current rental situation in South Australia includes:

  • A third of Adelaide renters in rental stress (spending more than 30% of their income on housing)
  • Average rent prices increasing by 7.1% overall for the 12 months to September – the biggest annual increase in rent prices since December 1990
  • ‘Asking rent’ prices in regional SA for a single parent on JobSeeker with children being no less than 40% of income in any region. 

Quotes attributable to SACOSS Director of Policy and Advocacy, Dr Rebecca Tooher

SACOSS’ research and advocacy highlights that the cost of basic necessities like water, electricity, and housing impact greatly and disproportionately on people on low incomes and experiencing disadvantage.

We know that we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, but its impacts are not distributed equally. Often, those with the least are paying the most for everyday essentials, with fewer options for relieving the pressure themselves.

People cannot choose to go without electricity. Energy companies, however, can choose how much they charge. The standard advice given to consumers to “shop around” doesn’t cut it anymore: people are running out of options and measures to insulate themselves from skyrocketing energy prices, particularly if they are on low incomes.

These rapidly increasing energy prices come at a time when energy companies are making supernormal profits.

SACOSS estimates for South Australians, It is particularly difficult to stomach these rapidly increasing energy prices at a time when energy companies have been recording supernormal profits, and our regulatory system is failing to adequately protect consumers from price hikes.

For those renters on low incomes, payments towards housing costs constitute not just the largest single household expenditure, but one which impacts on their quality of life and their ability to pay for all other goods and services.  

The consequences of not paying for housing costs – which could result in eviction and potentially homelessness – invariably mean that people have no choice but to sacrifice other household needs in order to keep up with paying their housing costs.

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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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