As part of our input into the SA Government's review of concessions, SACOSS commissioned a community panel of 33 South Australians from a diverse range of backgrounds to be part of a deliberative democracy process to consider the role and priorities for state government concessions.
The panel recognised that concessions are an important tool for addressing cost of living challenges for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. They concluded that people on low incomes and living with disabilities should be prioritised for concessions eligibility, whereas many concessions are currently based on age, Centrelink categories or other factors. The panel was also asked to apply their principles to three specific concessions: ambulance cover, private transport, and energy bill concessions.
Download the Community' Panels main report: SA Government Concessions
Download the supplementary report: Survey Results for Ambulance, Personal Transport and Energy Scenarios
The community panel process was commissioned by SACOSS and supported by Mannifera and the Wyatt Trust. It was facilitated by democracyCo. As background to why the state concessions system needs reform, see SACOSS' 2021 report on The State of Concessions in South Australia.