15 June 2023
The SA Greens have welcomed moves by the Malinauskas Government to scrap stamp duty for first home buyers and increase spending on public housing, but say renters and climate have been neglected in this State Budget, while public transport users will face price hikes.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC (Greens Spokesperson for Housing, Transport, Energy and Attorney-General)
“The Greens welcome the decision to scrap Stamp Duty for first home buyers and the increased investment in public housing, however this is still well short of what’s required to tackle our state’s growing housing crisis.”
“The Government’s decision to expand access to the Private Rental Assistance Program through increasing the asset test will be welcome relief for many however once again renters are not getting the level of focus they deserve in this budget.”
“The Greens have been calling for renters to get the same cost of living concessions as home owners for several years now, yet the Government still hasn’t taken action. Just days ago the Malinauskas Government blocked moves by the Greens to cap rent increases and fully ban rent bidding. Sadly, it seems that yet again renters are the forgotten people in this State Budget.”
“A year after Labor axed the solar and battery storage incentive schemes, they have failed to put anything new on the table to encourage South Australians to make green energy choices. This is a missed opportunity and the Government should have developed new schemes tailored to renters and those on low incomes.”
“Funding to improve regional bus services is welcome and long overdue however at a time when petrol prices are soaring, hiking up public transport fares is a slap in the face to South Australians. The price of a single fare will go up almost 5 per cent to $4.25 and $112.10 for a 28 day pass. We should be encouraging public transport use to reduce emissions at this time of climate crisis, not increasing prices. Public transport should be free and frequent in our state.”
“It’s also disappointing to see that the Government has failed to use this budget to establish programs that will transition young people out of youth detention.”
Quotes attributable to Tammy Franks MLC (Greens Spokesperson for Climate Change and the Environment, Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts)
“It’s disappointing to see the environment being overlooked in this budget. It’s outrageous that in this time of climate crisis that over the next four years the Department of Environment and Water’s budget will be cut by $88m and Green Industries SA will be completely gutted with its budget halved. Meanwhile, $5.5m to establish a new Office for AUKUS reveals Labor’s warped priorities for our state.”
“Climate change isn’t even mentioned once in the Treasurer’s speech.”
“Tauondi College is getting an increase in funds by $5.6 million over four years – a welcome investment.”
“We welcome the Government considering extending portable long service leave to arts workers. This is something they should make an urgent priority.”