I want to take this opportunity to let you know what the 2026–27 State Budget means for you.

This year's Budget delivers practical support to help with the cost of living, improve access to health services and provide more housing options for all South Australians.

One of the biggest changes is the expansion of the Seniors Card. As an existing Seniors Card member, you already know the value it provides.

Previously, the Seniors Card was only available to people aged over 60 who worked fewer than 20 hours per week. We’re changing that.

From 1 July 2026, every South Australian aged 60 and over will be eligible for a Seniors Card, regardless of how many hours they work. This expansion removes all working-related restrictions.

The expanded program will give thousands more South Australians access to practical, everyday savings, including:

• Free 24/7 Adelaide Metro public transport
• Fuel and grocery discounts, including 4 cents per litre off at participating United service stations and 5 per cent off at participating Romeo's Foodland stores
• Discounted health services such as dental, optical and pharmacy items
• and hundreds of additional discounts and offers from businesses across South Australia.

I encourage you to spread the word to family, friends and colleagues who may now be eligible to apply.

We're also making it easier for older South Australians to downsize. Eligible South Australians aged 60 and over who purchase a newly built home or off-the-plan apartment valued at up to $2 million will now pay no stamp duty. This will help more people move into homes that better suit their needs, while freeing up larger homes for growing families.

This Budget also includes important investments in health and aged care services.

A new no-interest loan scheme will support the construction of 650 additional aged care beds, including dedicated dementia support beds, helping ensure more older South Australians can access the care they need.

We are also undertaking a business case to transform the current Women's and Children's Hospital site into a dedicated health and aged care precinct, expected to include around 600 aged care beds alongside a mix of public and private health services.

Access to medicines and healthcare advice will improve with three additional 24-hour pharmacies in the western suburbs, north-eastern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills. These will complement the four existing 24-hour pharmacies already operating across metropolitan Adelaide.

Older South Australians have helped build the state we enjoy today. This Budget recognises that contribution by delivering practical measures that help people stay active, connected and independent, while ensuring the services they rely on continue to grow and improve.

Thank you for being a valued Seniors Card member and for the contribution you continue to make to our great state.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Malinauskas MP
Premier of South Australia