COTA SA chief executive Jane Mussared says it is important seniors are not left behind by the state's budget '20-21 cash splash.
The government has committed to a $4 billion stimulus package and $16.7 billion in infrastructure spending over the next four years.
While describing the budget as "an important shot in the arm" for South Australians, Ms Mussared said not enough was being done to support the ageing population.
A total of $265 million has been allocated to community and jobs support, but she said no incentives were provided for employers to hire seniors. At an incredibly difficult time for the nation, older workers were disadvantaged due to rampant ageism and the need to transition into new work.
"We think there needs to be some specific strategies and incentives to make sure they are a priority group for employers in South Australia," Ms Mussared said.
She said incentives in the federal government's JobMaker program, which focused on under-35s, were an invitation for employers to discriminate based on age, and the state government had an opportunity to make up the shortfall through its own budget.
Welcoming the $13.6 million for short term emergency accommodation over the next three years, Ms Mussared said permanent solutions were also needed.
"An increasing number of South Australians over the age of 65 - the estimation is just under 10,000 - are living on very low wages and with no savings," she said.
"Older women are the fastest growing group in terms of homelessness Australia-wide."
COTA SA was also disappointed not to see support for initiatives to combat digital exclusion.
"Through COVID we learned very quickly that the digital divide is very real," Ms Mussared said.
"We'd like to see the government supporting older people to get online, but also providing strategies to make sure we continue to deliver information, access and services to people who will never be online."
She welcomed the decision to spend big on regional infrastructure, which would improve the quality of life of older Australians.
"We look forward to the potential employment opportunities this investment will create for older workers in regional areas," she said.
"Our overall reaction is it's a significant budget, a significant vote of confidence, and a shot in the arm for South Australia. We just need to make sure that all South Australians are part of the rebuilding."
Treasurer Rob Lucas has invited peak bodies to give their feedback on the budget.
Key points
$4 billion stimulus package including:
- $795 million for business and community job support
- $747 million in support for the community and community infrastructure
- $592 million in tax and fee relief
- $120 million digital restart fund
$16.7 billion four-year investment in infrastructure including:
- $6.9 billion to roads
- $1.7 billion to health
- $782 million for residential housing
- $772 million towards public transport
$330 million COVID-19 relief package including:
-$20.4 million over two years on mental health and wellbeing
- One-off cost of living payments of $500 for jobseekers, $715.10 for eligible homeowners and $607.60 for eligible tenants
- A $1500 paid pandemic leave scheme
For more information about the budget click here.
