SACOSS hosts Citizens’ Panel to tackle concessions reforms

SACOSS will host a Citizens’ Panel on State Government Discounts and Rebates today (Sunday 24 September) to consider how to best target and reform energy and water concessions, discounts on transport and health costs, and other concessions. These concessions can add up to more than $1,000 a year for some households and provide vital support for people on low incomes.

However, there are a range of problems with the current system and the government has launched a major review due for completion later this year.

Minister for Human Services, the Hon. Nat Cook MP will address the Citizens’ Panel, as will representatives of SACOSS and the Department of Human Services, and pre-briefings have been provided by other stakeholders.

The Panel will consist of 37 citizens with a diversity of ages, incomes and life experience and has been chosen from a broader panel of “deliberative democracy” volunteers held by democracyCo (who will be running the workshop) and the state government.

The panel will consider issues like which groups should be the priority for concession support, what discounts and rebates should be provided, and how best to manage changes. Should, for instance, concessions be primarily based on factors like age, military service, or incomes – and how should they account fairly for differences between renters and homeowners, share-houses and families, or between people in metropolitan and regional areas?

The aim of the Panel is to produce a Citizens’ Statement which can be presented to government and stakeholders to guide thinking on concessions reform.

Quotes attributable to SACOSS Director Policy and Advocacy Rebecca Tooher:

“SACOSS’ 2021 report on the State of Concessions identified that the current concessions system is broken – but with care and consideration, it is fixable. There are barriers to accessing support and unfairness in some eligibility criteria which excludes many people from much-needed support.

“It is really good that the government is reviewing the system, but we recognise that reform is difficult in terms of capturing the complexity of people’s different needs and navigating priorities when the budget is limited.

“We are sure that the Citizens’ Panel will provide useful input into the government review and help inform public debate on questions about what are the priorities for concessions spending and how we fix the problems in the current system.”

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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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