SACOSS Report Card Shows Renters Still Big Losers in State Election

MEDIA RELEASE: The South Australian Council of Social Service today released its pre-election report card on how well SA political parties are “covering the basics” in their election policy pitches.

The report card is based both on responses to policies proposed by SACOSS and on an assessment of overall policy in key areas of concern. The results were mixed with the Liberal Party performing better than the ALP on digital inclusion, and water for regional and remote areas, but Labor was ahead on public and preventative health. Most importantly, both parties performed poorly on rental affordability with the Liberals scoring 1.5 out of 5, and Labor 1.7.

The report card also assessed the other parliamentary parties on the SACOSS policy proposals that would require legislative change (as the cross-bench parties would potentially be voting on these proposals). The Greens supported all ten SACOSS legislative proposals, while SA-BEST scored 7.5 out of ten.

 

 

LIBERAL

LABOR

 

Response to SACOSS

Policies

Other PoliciesOverall Score

Response to SACOSS

Policies

Other PoliciesOverall Score
 Rental Affordability

1.1

2

1.55

1.7

1.8

1.75

 Digital Inclusion

3.5

3

3.25

1.5

2

1.75

 Concessions

2

3

2.5

2.4

3

2.7

 Public/Preventive Health

1.8

4

2.9

2.9

4

3.45

 Water

3.5

3.5

3.5

2.1

3

2.55

 Protection and Support

2.4

3

2.7

2.5

2.6

2.55
*Ratings above are out of 5

 

SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley said:

“Scoring a report card like this is always tricky, and contentious, but the thing that stands out most in the lead-up to this is our rental affordability crisis. We need whoever forms the next government to focus more on addressing rental affordability.”

“On average, renters earn less than homeowners and are more likely to struggle with housing affordability, and in our assessment there is nowhere near enough help coming from the major parties’ election promises.”

“The Liberal Party can claim credit for stopping the long-term decline in the stock of public housing, and helped to get some people into home ownership. But there’s no plan there to build more public housing.

Labor has conceded it made the mistake of disinvesting in public housing previously and has come to the election finally promising some critical new real investment. But frankly, given the size of the crisis we face we will need much, much more to shorten the waiting list and have an impact on supply in the broader rental market.”

“By contrast, we were pleased to see the Greens and SA-BEST supporting significant investment in public housing, and we welcome the Greens’ support for minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties and a range of policies to support renters’ rights.”

“In the other policy areas, we recognised the good work being done by the government in developing a digital inclusion strategy and in moving to address chronic problems of water supply in remote communities. For Labor, we recognised their work in preserving and promising to boost the Health Performance Council as a key body for monitoring and improving the health system, and we particularly welcome their commitment to fund a voice for users of the health system.”

“We thank the parties for their comprehensive responses to SACOSS’ policy platform, and we were pleased to see a few surprises in the detail. The Liberal government’s promise to ask the Productivity Commission to investigate portable long service leave for our sector, while not a commitment to implementation, is an important step forward – though of course we also welcome Labor’s promise to work towards expanding portable long service leave into our sector.”

“Labor’s agreement to a full review of concessions was also good news, and goes beyond the government’s more limited review – but it is good that both parties recognise the problems and unfairness in the current system.”

You can view a summary of the SACOSS Report Card below, and find more detailed information here

Tuesday 15 March 2022

 

Scroll to Top

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.

Skip to content