South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison, have announced a range of multicultural programs as part of the state government’s 2024-25 budget.
A substantial $54.6 million stands to expand the Sports Voucher, which provides a discount of up to $100 each calendar year on sport, dance, learning to swim or scouts/guides fees for South Australian children from Reception to Year 9.
The expansion of the Sports Voucher initiative is good news for parents and caregivers. Now, each child can benefit from two $100 vouchers per year, or parents can claim a $200 deduction on sport and recreation fees for one activity. What’s more, music lessons are now included as an eligible activity. This program, starting on 1 January 2025, aims to provide more opportunities for children to engage in sports and other activities they love.
Another $24 million will subsidise the Materials and Services Charge, a fee that covers the cost of materials and services provided to students in government schools.
A $200 reduction to government school parents, caregivers and independent students for the materials and services charge for the 2025 school year. This initiative expands and extends this support for a year and will support up to 120,000 school children.
There is $51.5 million to provide a one-off additional Cost of Living Concession payment.
The state government is committed to providing immediate and targeted support to over 210,000 South Australians. In June 2024, an additional Cost of Living Concession (COLC) payment of $243.90 will be made to all recipients who have received the COLC payment in 2023-24. This extra payment, timed to coincide with the onset of winter when energy bills increase for many households, is a testament to our government’s dedication to the welfare of its citizens.
Housing affordability initiatives with $14 million over four years in stamp duty relief for first-home buyers are available. This relief aims to reduce the financial burden on first-home buyers, making homeownership more affordable and accessible.
The SA government will remove the property value stamp duty thresholds for eligible first-home buyers who enter a contract to purchase a new home or vacant land to build a new home on or after 6 June 2024.
An additional $16 million over four years to remove the property value cap for the First Homeowners Grant (FHOG)
$16 million over four years to remove the property value cap of $ 650,000 for eligible contracts entered on or after 6 June 2024. The FHOG provides eligible purchasers with a $ 15,000 grant to assist with the purchase cost of any new home.
The state government is investing $1.9 billion to 2032-33 in a comprehensive reform of early childhood education. Our aim is to provide children with access to quality teacher-led early childhood education from the age of three years. This reform will not only make it easier for families to access early childhood services but also help caregivers back into the workforce. Most importantly, it will significantly improve learning and development outcomes for our children, paving the way for a brighter future.
Health will receive $2.5 billion over five years to address the demand for public health services and increase the capacity of the SA health system. This significant investment is aimed at improving healthcare access and quality, ensuring the well-being of all South Australians.
Education will secure $256 million in education initiatives. These initiatives include the establishment of a new secondary school in the northern suburbs, providing 1300 places. This investment in education aims to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for South Australian students.
A new preschool and primary school is scheduled for Mount Barker, providing 100 preschool places and 350 primary school places.
Multicultural Expand Together 2024-25 Grant
For SA’s multicultural communities, the Expand Together 2024-25 Grant round two is now open. This grant is designed to assist multicultural organisations in expanding their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community.
The grants assist multicultural organisations in expanding their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment.
Up to $100,000 are available for projects to be delivered over 12 months, commencing 1 February 2025.
The application form and guidelines are available now at www.multicultural.sa.gov.au
Key dates
· Online information session – 5 pm – 6.30 pm, Wednesday 3 July 2024
· Round 2 applications close – 11 pm, Saturday 31 August 2024
The online information session will be on Wednesday, 3 July 2024, from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Email your name and organisation to MulticulturalAffairs@sa.gov.au to register. Phone: 1300 239 468
