COTA SA, the peak body representing South Australians aged 50 and over, is calling on the State Government to ensure the 2026-27 State Budget delivers meaningful action to address the growing challenges facing older people across the state, including rising living costs and navigating increasingly complex health and support systems.
COTA SA welcomed the State Government’s recent commitments in the 2026 State Election to areas it has strongly advocated for, including expansion of the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS), expanded eligibility for the Seniors Card program, and increased investment in dementia and brain health initiatives.
COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke acknowledges these commitments and hopes the State Government will continue to prioritise the needs of older South Australians.
“These commitments are important and positive steps and were welcomed by older South Australians and demonstrate the importance of ensuring older people are seen, heard and included in public policy decisions,” said Miranda. “Older South Australians will be looking to this Budget to ensure election commitments are kept and that their needs remain a priority.”
The key priorities COTA SA is calling on the government to invest in for the 2026-27 State Budget include investing in state-wide action on brain health and dementia, establishing a Life Navigation Service for people aged 50 and over, introducing free emergency ambulance services for full age pensioners, strengthening and expanding reforms to PATS, and delivering a simpler and more equitable concessions system.
“These are practical measures within the State Government’s control that would make life less stressful for older South Australians and support them to age well and live good, fulfilling lives,” continued Miranda. “What we’re hearing is that people are feeling increasingly uncertain and under pressure. Rising fuel costs and recent Federal Budget decisions have added to that stress, leaving many wondering how they will make ends meet.”
Following the recent Federal Budget announcement, COTA SA released new survey findings outlining how many older South Australians feel increasingly overlooked. Almost 400 older South Australians responded to the survey, with 62% reporting negative feelings about the Federal Budget overall and 71% believing it would negatively affect them personally. Some respondents described elements of the Budget and surrounding public debate as ageist, particularly the framing of “intergenerational inequality”.
“We hope the South Australian State Budget takes a different approach, one that recognises older people as valued members of our community, acknowledges their ongoing contributions, and responds to the challenges many are facing,” continued Miranda. “That means recognising that older South Australians are a diverse group, and ensuring support is framed around reflecting people’s circumstances and level of need, not just their age.”
Miranda said COTA SA’s proposed initiatives would make a practical and meaningful difference to the lives of older South Australians across metropolitan and regional communities. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the South Australian Government and all members of Parliament to ensure older South Australians feel valued, included and supported,” she concluded.
For further information on COTA SA’s 2026-27 State Budget submission and its key priorities, visit cotasa.org.au/about-us/latest-news/2026-27-state-budget
