On the 4th June, the South Australian Labor Government delivered its 2026-27 State Budget. AHSCA has summarised what this budget likely means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and community-controlled organsations in South Australia.

Much of this budget’s impact on communities will be directed to:

• Treaty and truth-telling
• Cost-of-living and community services
• Health and aged care
• Road infrastructure and fuel security
• Children and young people

Overall, the budget primarily reflects ongoing funding for previously announced initiatives as opposed to new investments. There were very few commitments made for Aboriginal-specific policies and programs. Disappointingly, the budget does not well reflect the priorities put forward by the sector through AHCSA’s Election Priorities.

Further commitment is needed to address systemic racism and deliver culturally safe, accessible healthcare for Aboriginal communities across the State. AHCSA will continue to advocate for broad reforms to governance, program design and funding allocation to further strengthen the community-controlled sector, recognising the critically important role ACCHOs play in delivering culturally safe healthcare services for Aboriginal people.