SA budget spending welcomed by seniors
The South Australian budget was welcomed by seniors groups, especially the confirmation of funding over the next four years for free off-peak travel on public transport.
Seniors also welcomed the significant infrastructure investment in housing, roads, education and health facilities and services, which will provide many indirect benefits.
The budget announced that from 1 July 2009, land used for residential aged care facilities will be provided with land tax relief. This will ensure that all Commonwealth accredited, residential aged care facilities will not be required to pay land tax, regardless of whether they are run as not-for-profit or a commercial operation.
National Seniors South Australia policy chair, John Howland, said overall it was a good budget.
“A real disappointment though is that there is no encouragement tax wise for people wanting to downsize their home without going into an aged care facility,’’ he said.
