South Australians will save thousands on education, access new health rebates and see major investments flow into regional communities under the 2026-27 State Budget.
The Budget delivers more than $500 million in new cost-of-living measures, while also committing billions towards housing, health, infrastructure, education and regional development.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “This is a budget which delivers the biggest cost of living package in the state’s history for households, and productivity for business.
“The budget delivers upon our election commitments, provides a stable environment for private sector investment and growth, and continues our record of delivering surpluses.
“All of this is occurring while we are delivering the largest infrastructure program in our state’s history, including water infrastructure to facilitate more homes, a non stop South Road and a New Women’s and Children’s Hospital.”
Free public school from Reception to Year 12
One of the headline announcements is $174 million over four years to make public school education fee-free from Reception through to Year 12 from the 2027 school year.
The measure is expected to save families more than $8,000 per child throughout their schooling.
Additional education spending includes:
- $76 million to fund free school camps and expanded sports vouchers
- $45.5 million for new Out of School Hours Care services at 68 government primary schools
- $210 million for upgrades and redevelopments across 37 public schools
- $150 million to establish three new Technical Colleges, including a regional campus in Murray Bridge
IVF rebates and seniors support
The Budget also introduces South Australia’s first IVF rebate scheme, allocating $18.5 million over four years to provide eligible families with $2,000 per IVF cycle for up to two cycles.
Seniors are another major focus, with:
- $77 million for full stamp duty relief for downsizers aged over 60 purchasing a new home worth up to $2 million
- $8.4 million to expand Seniors Card eligibility to all South Australians aged 60 and over
- Expanded public transport and discount benefits for card holders
Housing package worth $2.5 billion
The Government has revealed a substantial housing package designed to accelerate construction and improve affordability.
The centrepiece is a $1 billion fast-track housing plan, including:
- A $500 million Housing Fast-Track Fund to acquire and accelerate development-ready land
- A $500 million Apartment Fast-Track Fund to support apartment projects in Adelaide’s CBD
- Expansion of the Rent To Own scheme by 2,000 additional homes
- $140 million to renovate 300 vacant public housing properties
- $29.5 million to create 1,000 new pathways into the construction workforce
More than $1 billion for regional South Australia
Regional communities are set to receive $1.2 billion in new funding through a wide-ranging package covering drought support, healthcare, roads, housing and economic development.
Among the largest commitments are:
- A $200 million drought loan scheme for affected grain and livestock producers
- $90 million for safety upgrades on the South Eastern Freeway
- $90 million for improvements along the Horrocks Highway
- $80 million for the Adelaide and Hawthorn Road intersection upgrade in Mount Barker
- $54.5 million for a new Technical College in Murray Bridge
- $22 million for a new Emergency Department at Clare Hospital
The Budget also establishes an $8 million Primary Industries Future Forward Fund aimed at supporting innovation, sustainability and productivity across agriculture, seafood, wine, forestry and horticulture sectors.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said, “This budget renews our commitment to build a better and brighter future for primary industries and regional communities in our state, because they are the key drivers of our economy.”
Health spending continues
The Budget includes an additional $1.7 billion for health service delivery over the forward estimates, alongside a range of new projects.
Key health measures include:
- A $250 million no-interest loan scheme to support up to 650 new aged care beds
- $28 million for a specialised mental health assessment unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital
- $15 million for upgrades at Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
- $13.2 million to establish three additional 24-hour pharmacies
- $10 million for specialised women’s health clinics
- $4.6 million for South Australia’s first Virtual Pelvic Pain Clinic
Strong economy praised by ratings agency
Following the Budget release, ratings agency S&P Global praised South Australia’s economic performance and financial management, maintaining the state’s AA+ Stable credit rating, the second-highest credit rating of any Australian state.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said, “S&P’s comments reinforce the South Australian economy is strong and our budget is prudent and responsible.
“This budget has a clear focus: cost of living relief for families and certainty for business. There are no surprises – we are delivering on our election commitments.”
The Budget forecasts surpluses totalling $1.4 billion while continuing investment in major projects, including the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Non-Stop South Road project and infrastructure needed to support future growth opportunities linked to AUKUS and expanding mining activity.
For many South Australians, however, the immediate focus will likely be on what hits the household budget first, free public school, childcare support, cheaper IVF treatment, housing initiatives and expanded assistance for seniors.
