AnglicareSA welcomes some key measures handed down in yesterday’s State Budget in crucial areas such as health and wellbeing, and human services and child protection, while also being disappointed it missed investment opportunities in social and affordable housing.
In particular, we applaud the State Government’s willingness to partner with the non-government sector to support those facing mental ill-health. The creation of additional beds and vital accommodation to support South Australians outside of the hospital system is much-needed, as is further training for the mental health workforce.
AnglicareSA also welcomes the announcement of increased support for young people up to age 21 leaving care through the State Government’s Stability Post Care program.
AnglicareSA has long advocated for further support following the successful implementation of the foster care to age 21 policy. This new program will help young people to maintain housing during this critical transition period.
However, it is disappointing that yesterday’s budget did not include substantial further commitment to social and affordable housing.
Without long-term, affordable and sustainable housing, many key initiatives would not be possible. We are in the midst of a homelessness and housing crisis. People are at increased risk of homelessness due to a lack of affordable housing across South Australia.
The high stamp duty revenue windfall from an unexpectedly booming housing market should have been reinvested back into the sector it was generated from and into more long-term social and affordable housing. This would create important ongoing economic and social returns for our state.
AnglicareSA looks forward seeing further details on these and other budget initiatives. As always, we stand ready to partner with the government to better the lives of South Australians experiencing vulnerability.
Together, we change lives.