SA budget a gamble

By Carla Gorton

ADELAIDE — The state Liberal government handed down its third budget last week amid speculation that the government is poised to overcome its longstanding deficit. Working people here have been bludgeoned with the State Bank debt theme for years.

Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost as public sector services and infrastructure have been slashed. Treasurer Steve Baker has now offered a few token increases, with the promise of a surplus in two years.

Health and education budgets have been increased by $91 million and $61 million respectively, most of revenue increase coming from poker machines. Another $18 million is earmarked to clean up the Murray River.

While no new taxes have been announced, trade union officials and community activists have criticised the budget for not meeting the needs of the least advantaged. Eight hundred public sector jobs are still to be cut. Millions of dollars will be reaped from the sell-off of public assets, particularly schools. Despite a $3 million increase in disability services, mental health has been left significantly underfunded, according to the Australian Medical Association.

South Australian Institute of Teachers president Janet Giles condemned the government for relying on poker machine revenue to fund education, saying the government lacked real commitment to public education. Gail Gago, secretary of the Australian Nurses Federation, also criticised the lack of support for the health sector.

From GLW issue 234