South Australia's peak welfare group has called for continued investment in an inclusive future for all after the state government delivered a budget big on health, education and infrastructure spending.
The SA Council of Social Service said it recognised the government had focused on delivering its election promises but said it must now build on those positive budget measures.
"We know that a lot of South Australians continue to really struggle," SACOSS Chief Executive Ross Womersley said.
"We have a genuine crisis around rental affordability, and cost of living pressures mount by the day.
"We now urge the new government to be bold and step up to invest in a more inclusive future for our state.
"With a four-year term just beginning, and with surpluses forecast across the forward estimates, now is an ideal time for a really big-picture view.
"These investments in what's planned now are down-payments on the tomorrow that South Australians want for our state."
The budget forecast a surplus of $233 million for the next financial year, growing to $645 million across the forward estimates.
But total state debt will rise marginally more than previous forecasts to hit $33.8 billion by 2025/26
The government has confirmed an ongoing infrastructure spend of $18.6 billion, including $7.8 billion on roads, with big investment in education and health.
Health will receive an extra $2.4 billion over the next five years to employ 350 more paramedics and ambulance officers, 100 doctors and 300 nurses.
Extra spending in education includes $208 million for five new technical colleges.
The budget also includes $177 million over four years to build 400 homes, with 150 of those in regional SA, in a major boost to public housing.
But Mr Womersley said further long-term investment in public housing was still needed.
"Far too many people are struggling to find a home, let alone one they can afford," he said.
"By building further on its investment in public housing, the state government would not only create much-needed homes, but ease pressure on the market to make rental housing more affordable across the board."
Business SA said the government had delivered a good, honest, simple budget with a focus on skills, sustainability and health.
"The budget builds confidence because it means no new taxes, invests in skills and commits to putting more taxpayer dollars back into local businesses," the group said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the budget was about delivering for the next generation.
"We made significant promises and now we begin delivering," he said.
"This budget isn't just focused on the short term, it's focused on setting us up for the long term."
Australian Associated Press
