Vinnies SA to the next State Government: "If not us, who? And if not now, when?"

The St Vincent de Paul Society South Australia (Vinnies SA) is calling on the next South Australian Government to take decisive action on five urgent issues affecting the dignity and wellbeing of thousands of people across the state.
 
In its SA Election Position Statement 2026, Vinnies SA outlines a series of practical and achievable actions focused on:

• Tackling participation poverty for children and young people
• Reducing housing insecurity
• Addressing loneliness and social isolation
• Embedding a culture of human rights
• Strengthening support for people seeking asylum

 
State President Geraldine Hawkes said South Australia has both the capacity and opportunity to act — but it requires clear leadership and sustained commitment. “The challenges facing our community are not beyond us. What’s required is coordinated action and the political will to ensure human dignity is at the centre of decision-making,” Ms Hawkes said. “Charities cannot solve systemic housing shortages, participation poverty, or gaps in essential services. These require whole-of-government responses.”
 
Vinnies SA’s statement draws on its extensive frontline experience supporting South Australians facing poverty, homelessness, and exclusion.
 
Housing insecurity is intensifying. Rising house prices and rents have pushed affordable housing out of reach, while homelessness services remain under strain. Vinnies SA is calling for clear four-year housing targets, accelerated social and affordable housing supply, and stronger pathways from homelessness into permanent homes.
 
Participation poverty is preventing too many children from fully engaging in school and community life. Vinnies SA is urging the appointment of a Minister for Children and Young People and the introduction of a targeted statewide participation subsidy to ensure cost is not a barrier.
 
Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health and economic concerns. Vinnies SA is calling for a formal inquiry and a coordinated statewide strategy to strengthen social connection, particularly for those most at risk.
 
The Society is also seeking progress toward a Human Rights Act in South Australia, embedding dignity in decision-making, and ensuring accessible remedies when rights are breached.
 
Finally, Vinnies SA is calling for a stronger safety net for people seeking asylum, including fair access to essential state services and targeted support to prevent avoidable hardship and homelessness while federal processes are underway.
 
CEO Clinton Jury said the Position Statement is deliberately practical. “Some recommendations build on existing commitments. Others expand programs already underway. All are achievable,” Mr Jury said. 

“This election is an opportunity to move beyond piecemeal responses and deliver coordinated reform that strengthens our whole community.”
 
Vinnies SA is calling on all parties and candidates to respond publicly to the five key areas and commit to concrete action.
 
“If not us, who? And if not now, when?”

You can read the full St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) election statement at www.vinnies.org.au/sa under ‘Advocacy’.