State Budget to support those who need it

most

July 2024 The state government says this year's budget will focus on supporting South Australians who need it most as it pledges a $266.2 million cost-of-living package — while also keeping the budget in the black. Concession holders in particular are set to benefit and families with school-aged children can look forward to saving $600 in 2025 through public school fee reductions and the doubling of sports vouchers. Treasurer Stephen Mulligan says early childhood education and care reform, plus affordable housing are also at the core of the 2024-25 budget. A $47 million spend will go towards the development of new accommodation for three major arts organisations, the formation of a new arts investment fund, and the renewal of an ABC and SA Film Corporation partnership. This comes on top of $715 million for early education initiatives, funding for the construction of more schools, $80 million for road safety, money for jetty upgrades, and more. Mental health The state government will invest $5 million in a range of new mental health programs for young people, including the introduction of virtual paediatric mental health services. About $1 million per year will go towards additional staff for mental health services, including mental health nurses. Health Another 36 beds will be added at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and a further 20 at the Lyell McEwin Hospital as part of a $30 million spend. A further $58 million will go towards the SA Ambulance Service, of which $24 million will be spent on new ambulance stations at Marion, Two Wells and Whyalla. Early education There will be $715 million invested in early education under the budget, with $339.7 million over five years to go towards delivering three-year-old preschool access from 2026. There will also be $96.6 million to go towards growing the early education workforce, and an additional $127.3 million towards developmentally vulnerable children. A $14 million investment will be delivered over four years to increase the benefits Aboriginal children receive from the three- year-old preschools, and invest in early education from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Schools Over $218 million will be delivered for the construction of three new schools around Adelaide. There will be $62.7 million for a new preschool and primary school in Mount Barker, which are expected to open in 2028. A new high school will be built in Adelaide’s northern suburbs at a cost of $155 million. The school is also expected to open in 2028. Roads There will be $80.1 million for road safety, which will include $2.6 million for new signage near schools where the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/hour at priority locations. Priority push button crossings and new camera will be installed at a cost of $38.7 million over four years. Prison beds More than $205 million will be spent over four years to deliver another 312 beds at Yatala Labour Prison. Jetties An additional annual $5 million will be delivered from 2027 to 2028 for the maintenance and repair of jetties in South Australia.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia