The scheme includes a $51.5 million allocation for 2023-24, enabling a once-off additional Cost of Living Concession payment of $243.90. This payment will benefit more than 210,000 South Australians starting in June 2024. The timing coincides with the beginning of winter, a period when household energy expenses typically rise. The additional funds will also be available to tenants and Senior Health Card holders, who will receive a considerable increase from their current $122 concession.
A further extension in the budget includes $36.6 million spread over four years. This funding ensures the permanent alignment of the Cost of Living Concession payment for around 73,000 eligible tenants and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders to match the payment made to eligible homeowners. Starting in the 2024-25 financial year, this will mean doubling the concession amount for these groups from $127.80 to $255.60.
In an effort to alleviate educational expenses, the government has introduced a $24 million initiative that will reduce the materials and services charge by $200 for the 2025 school year. This reduction is expected to assist parents and caregivers of up to 120,000 government school students. Additionally, the State Government has committed $54.6 million over four years to double support under the sports vouchers programme for up to 100,000 eligible children, providing up to $200 in support for each child. The program will be extended for the first time to eligible children who participate in music.
A family with two school-aged children could save an additional $600 in 2024-25 through the doubling of the sports vouchers, and the reduction in the school material and services charge.
This support also includes public transport concessions, with $10.6 million allocated over four years to extend concessional fares to all Health Care Card holders. An additional 15,000 individuals will benefit, saving up to $2.25 per trip.
The social housing sector is set to benefit from a $35.8 million investment over three years targeted at energy efficiency. This program focuses on insulation improvements and the replacement of inefficient appliances in over 3,500 public and community sector homes, aiming to reduce energy bills significantly.
The budget also allocates $14.1 million over four years to expand and increase access to a range of existing government support programs. These expansions include increased access to funeral assistance, household concessions in shared residences, and additional support for acquiring new glasses under GlassesSA.
For the non-governmental sector, the budget provides an additional $18.4 million over four years. This funding will support services delivered to the community on behalf of the government, addressing the rising costs due to inflation.
Businesses will also see benefits, with $20 million allocated for Round 2 of the Economic Recovery Fund. This fund will support up to 8,000 eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organisations with grants ranging from $2,500 to $50,000.
Furthermore, in response to the increased diesel fuel prices, the government has allocated $500,000 in 2023-24 to the Remote Area Energy Supply Scheme.
Motorists will continue to benefit from the competitive CTP Scheme, with the majority of premiums expected to decrease from the 1st of July.
QUOTES TO INCLUDE:
Quotes attributable to Andrea Michaels
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Every South Australian child should have access to the benefits of arts and culture and now through the expansion of our Sports Voucher program, children will be able to receive subsidised music lessons for the first time.
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Being able to learn an instrument offers incredible benefits for children’s wellbeing and development but the cost of lessons can often be prohibitive.
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That’s why we have extended the program to make it more affordable for families to enrol their children in music lessons. Â
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Quotes attributable to Rhiannon Pearce
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We want to encourage more young South Australian kids to spend less time on screens and more time being active and getting healthy.
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We know that children and young people who grow up playing sport are more likely to remain active as adults and to have improved resilience and social connectedness.
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And that embracing music benefits both a young person’s development and personal wellbeing – which is why I warmly welcome music lessons to the program.
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The expansion of the Sports Vouchers program, which already assists so many families across our state, will help encourage more kids to live healthy, active lives and provides families with more flexibility and choice.
