SA welfare group calls for concessions system shake-up

South Australia’s peak welfare group says the state’s concession system is broken and has urged the government to make urgent changes in this year’s budget.

The SA Council of Social Service says some of the most needy are missing out on vital support for transport, health, utility and cost of living expenses.

It says under the current system, someone on a seniors health card with substantial assets, an income well above the average wage and low energy costs can receive concessions that are not available to a minimum wage worker on half the income.

In other examples, it says a single aged pensioner receives more concessions than someone on a JobSeeker allowance, despite the aged pensioner having a higher income, and a single parent raising two children on the minimum wage might not receive any concessions.

“We know that the state government is beginning a review of concessions, but unless there is funding to fix the problems the review won’t change much,” council chief executive Ross Womersley said.

“The system will continue to be unfair and people will continue to fall through the gaps.”

The council has proposed the June state budget increase the cost of living concession for renters to the level paid to homeowners, offer a substantial increase in energy concessions and extend existing pensioner private motoring and ambulance concessions to all people on very low incomes.

“Our estimates of the cost of reform suggest significant new investment will be required to fix the concession system,” Mr Womersley said.

“But our broader analysis shows that we need a bold budget to turn around an under-performing economy and to support low-income households struggling with the current cost of living crisis.”