More Seniors Cards for SA and Libs expanding foreign exports
Latest election promises: A re-elected Malinauskas Labor government will expand access to Seniors Cards, while the Liberals are promising to support SA businesses entering foreign markets.
Labor promises cost-of-living relief for SA seniors
A re-elected Malinauskas Labor government would expand access to Seniors Cards, with the aim of addressing cost-of-living pressures, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Seniors and Ageing Well Minister Nat Cook announced at Levande Ridgehaven Rise retirement community today.
The announcement would see $8 million spent over four years so that an estimated 80,000 extra South Australians could get their hands on a Seniors Card, and it would be made available to all South Australians over 60, as well as Aboriginal South Australians aged 50 or older.
Among the perks of Seniors Cards are free bus, train and tram travel, four cents off per litre at participating United Fuel service stations, five per cent off at participating Romeo Foodland stores and discounted tickets at Wallis Cinema.
Currently, the Senior Card program is only available to permanent residents aged 60 or older who work less than 20 hours a week.
“Seniors are central to society and our economy – and it’s important we support them to meet the cost-of-living,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“We’ve already done that with significant boosts to concessions, and by making public transport free around the clock.
You might like
“Now we are going to expand the eligibility of Senior Cards to include a further 80,000 South Australians.”
Liberals promise to revive program driving SA exports
Meanwhile, more South Australian products would be on foreign supermarket shelves under a plan announced today by the SA Liberals.
SA Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn and Shadow Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Tim Whetstone this morning announced that if elected at this month’s election, the SA Liberals would revive the Export Ready Program. The program previously existed under the Marshall Liberal government but was scrapped in 2022.
The $5.5 million scheme would aim to help local businesses start exporting, build confidence in global markets, diversify where they sell, and strengthen SA’s economic security.
“South Australia is home to innovative, high-performing businesses, but too many face real barriers when trying to enter international markets,” Hurn said.
“This program provides hands-on, practical support so businesses can grow, employ more South Australians and strengthen our economy.
Stay informed, daily
“Backing exporters means backing jobs, growth and long-term economic security for our state.”
The Malinauskas Labor government currently supports South Australian businesses to export to global markets through the $1 million Export Diversification Program, with $50,000 grants for businesses affected by global disruptions in trade.
In addition, SA currently has the $2 million Global Expansion Program, with the aim of helping businesses expand into international markets and unlock new revenue streams.
The SA Liberals’ Export to Ready Program would include training and workshops, personalised mentoring and masterclasses, a central digital export knowledge hub and business-to-business networking and collaboration events.
As part of the program, a South Australian Export Market Development Grant would also be reintroduced, with grants of up to $50,000.
The grants would assist businesses to break into new international markets, spread risk and diversify income streams, adapt products for overseas customers, participate in trade missions and promotions, and meet international standards and compliance requirements.
Recreational fishers demand answers
Meanwhile, recreational fishers will be rallying at Parliament House this weekend, calling for immediate clarity on policy commitments from the state government for recreational fishing, despite Labor having committed millions to increase access to the Myponga and Tod reservoir reserves.
The demonstration has been organised by South Australian recreational fisher Matthew Moate, who claims that no formal policy position response has been released.
“More than 360,000 South Australians fish recreationally. We contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the state economy and support regional jobs, tourism and small business,” Moate said.
“With the election weeks away, fishers still don’t know what the Government’s plan is. That’s not good enough.
“This rally is about transparency and accountability. We want clear commitments before people vote.”
Labor made a $4.35 million commitment to expand access for recreational fishers to Myponga and Tod reservoir reserves in January.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
