Why Does this Matter?

Water is an essential and basic human right. Yet not all South Australians have reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water.

Some South Australians are paying more for the provision of safe drinking water than others, and often those who are being obliged to pay more can least afford it, especially in remote communities.

While SA Water provides drinking water for a large majority of the state, approximately 4000 people are serviced by a mix of local councils, private providers or have developed a self-sufficient supply structure.

Significantly, this includes Aboriginal people living in remote communities who already have poor health outcomes, exacerbated by a lack of access to safe and secure water. Those parts of SA not covered by the SA Water network should be able to access the same basic level of service for the same price.

What does SACOSS Want?

Water security for South Australians in regional and remote areas
Access to safe, secure, reliable and affordable water and sanitation services is critical to health and wellbeing. SACOSS calls for the development of and commitment to basic standards of water provision for everyone – regardless of where they are in the state.

Reliable access to safe drinking water at a price that is the same for all South Australians
No-one should pay more for an essential service because of where they live. Pricing controls should ensure that South Australians everywhere pay the same for water as those in metropolitan areas.

SA Water expenditure directed by the Minister should be public and transparent
Investment is required to ensure SA Water provides appropriate level of services and support in its provision of an essential service. However, Government expenditure decisions must be transparent and provided with clear rationale – not ‘hidden’ in customers’ bills. Where possible, major infrastructure costs should be funded out of general tax revenue rather than recovered through water bills.

Engaging for the best water outcomes for all South Australians

SACOSS keeps appraised of all the developments in the way water is managed by government and SA Water. We represent the interests of people experiencing disadvantage by meeting with the relevant parties and writing regular submissions, including an extensive annual briefing to the Minister.

Consumer Advocacy and Research Fund

SACOSS also supports the Department for Environment and Water in funding community groups under the Consumer Advocacy and Research Fund (CARF) for projects that:

  • promote the interests of regional and low-income water consumers as well as water consumers with a disability
  • Advance the interests of water consumers from an advocacy perspective.

Project Title XYZ

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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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