31 May 2001

SMALL GEMS on ROCKY ROAD -

State Budget Response

"Noodling through the State Budget papers has revealed some small gems that hint at appropriate directions for the State Government" said Mark Henley, Senior Policy Officer with the UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide.

"Areas of interest include the increased funding to the Collaborative Research Centre in Aquaculture. This is an investment that will almost certainly deliver large numbers of jobs and export earnings in the longer term. It is a far more effective job creation strategy than cutting payroll tax," Mr Henley said.

Other small gems include:

$2 million increase in funding for Dental Health Services.

Additional funds for emergency hospital services

.Funding for community sporting and recreation infrastructure investment

200 extra nurses

Regional Development package

Additional funding for the State Food Plan

Additional funds to "Saving the Murray" action plan

Additional $2 million to mental health services.

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is also pleased to see an extra $300,000 allocated to the Gambler's Rehabilitation Fund, but stresses that this money must be allocated as a matter of priority to direct services provided through the

BreakEven network.

Unfortunately there are a couple of major disappointments in the budget, from the perspective of low income people:

1. The continued reduction in public housing stock, by about 1 ,500 dwellings, means

that more low income people will be forced to endure inadequate housing.

2. The real decrease in funding to the public education system also means that many people from low income communities will be denied the education

opportunities that they need

"ACM is looking to the Government to build on the type of small gems outlined above over the next year, so that South Australia increasingly becomes a thriving and inclusive community" Mr Henley concluded.

 

For Further Comment
Mark Henley Senior Policy Officer	8202 5135 (w) 0404 067 011 (mob) 8370 1112 (h)