Local first-time homebuyers and families with school age children are the main beneficiaries in the state budget handed down during the week.
Member for Light and Duty Member for Schubert, Mr Tony Piccolo said the budget provides cost of living relief for families and South Australians on concessions and low incomes, while investing in key priorities including health, housing, jobs, training, and education to build solid foundations into the future.
As part of the $266.2 million invested in cost-of-living relief, children will now be entitled to two $100 sports vouchers, which now include music lessons, government school fees will reduce by $200 per child and more than 210,000 concession holders will receive a one-off payment of $243.90 this month.
Mr Piccolo said he is pleased a focus has been placed on “targeting cost of living support to help those most in need.”
“Helping families with fees for school and children’s activities is a practical way of assisting them cope while still supporting children,” Mr Piccolo said.
“As part of the funding, the benefits concession holders receive are set to also improve and HealthCare Card holders will be able to access public transport concessions.”
State Government cost of living relief will complement relief measures and tax cuts from the Federal Labor Government, while small businesses and not-for-profits will also benefit from $20 million in grant funding and incentives to invest in energy efficient equipment.
Mr Piccolo said grant funding for small business to invest in energy efficient equipment and other incentives will help reduce operating costs and make them more sustainable while delivering good outcomes for the environment.
“I look forward to working with small businesses in my area, and particularly those in the manufacturing sector, to explore how they can access the grants,” said Mr Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said an important aspect of the budget is health, and the resources being delivered in Gawler and the Northern Adelaide region, on top of the new ambulance station in Willaston, will enable our residents to have access to medical care when needed, and supports the Gawler Health Service.
“This Government’s initial election pledge was to open 300 beds, which then grew to 550 and now more than 600 beds have been promised in this budget to try and combat the major issue of ramping.”
In the biggest housing package in the State’s history, more than $843 million in funding over the next decade has been committed to boosting supply, addressing homelessness and helping more South Australians into home ownership.
All eligible first home buyers are now able to access the First Homeowners Grant, which has been extended, and pay no Stamp Duty on their purchase, saving more than $50,000 if purchasing at the median house price range.
With an additional $136 million to build and upgrade 442 social housing dwellings and $66 million for public housing, Mr Piccolo said, “This gives potential tenants a leg up, creating the opportunities for them to save and enter the home ownership market sooner.
“The biggest factor is the lack of houses that are available, but it’s no excuse to have people left with no place to call home, and I’m glad it’s being addressed.”
A partnership between the State and Commonwealth Governments will help deliver 160,000 new training places.
The State Government will also start to deliver on its commitment to kick start early learning opportunities for three-year-olds by placing in the budget 4-year cycle funds to provide quality teaching, learning programs, and ensuring adequate facilities for capacity.
“Importantly, funds will be made available for the early identification of children’s needs and pathways for family supports.
“This budget is about investing in health and housing and giving hope to those people doing it tough.”
At the southern end of the Light Electorate, the Northern suburbs will be the new high school to address enrolment pressures at the existing Mark Oliphant and Riverbank Colleges.
Mr Piccolo said, “with the rapid growth of our northern region – one of the fastest growing populations in the State – this new school will be zoned to serve many future students in Munno Para and surrounding areas.”