Budget 2026- 2027 Response
The 2026/27 State Budget outlines important investments across South Australia’s future growth and wellbeing. However, achieving stronger economic, social and health outcomes requires continued investment in the systems and community infrastructure that enable people and communities to thrive. Multicultural communities are not peripheral to these discussions but rather sit at the centre of workforce growth, preventative health, social cohesion and community resilience. The following reflections highlight several areas where continued focus and investment will strengthen outcomes for all South Australians.
Infrastructure
The 2026/27 State Budget recognises the importance of investing in multicultural communities through continued support for inclusive, culturally appropriate spaces and initiatives that strengthen connection and social cohesion.
As South Australia’s multicultural communities continue to grow and diversify, the next conversation must be about scale, sustainability and future need.
Multicultural communities contribute to South Australia’s economic growth, social cohesion and workforce participation every day. Community demand continues to grow and many multicultural organisations are experiencing increasing pressure on existing facilities and shared spaces.
Investment in shared multicultural infrastructure is not simply an investment in bricks and mortar but rather an investment in supporting community organisations to deliver services, develop leaders, support volunteers and create opportunities for participation.
South Australia now requires fit for purpose multicultural infrastructure that reflects the realities of modern South Australia, supports growing demand and creates spaces where communities can connect, deliver services and build stronger futures together.
Skilled Migration
The 2026/27 State Budget reinforces the importance of workforce growth, yet attracting skilled migrants alone will not solve South Australia’s long-term workforce challenges.
Retaining skilled migrants requires more than employment opportunities. People are more likely to stay when they can access services, build social connections, participate in community life and establish a sense of belonging.
Community organisations, local networks and culturally responsive support services play an important role in helping skilled migrants and their families settle and build their lives in South Australia.
Investment in community infrastructure and participation initiatives complements workforce attraction efforts by helping people establish the connections and support networks that encourage long-term settlement.
Attracting skilled migrants is important, but retaining them is equally important to meeting South Australia’s long-term workforce needs.
Preventive Health
The 2026/27 State Budget continues investment in health and wellbeing. However, stronger preventive health outcomes require investment beyond hospitals and clinical settings.
Prevention works best when communities are engaged early, information is accessible and people trust the systems around them.
Preventive health outcomes are strengthened by investment in health literacy, culturally responsive engagement and community-based support, particularly for communities facing language barriers or difficulties navigating complex service systems.
An equity by design approach recognises that people do not start from the same place. Preventive health initiatives are most effective when they are designed from the outset to reflect the needs, experiences and circumstances of diverse communities, rather than attempting to adapt services after barriers have emerged.
If we are serious about reducing health inequities and improving long term wellbeing outcomes, investment must continue in community-based approaches that strengthen connection, improve access and build trust.
Effective prevention relies on early engagement, accessible information and trusted community networks.
Domestic Family Violence
The 2026/27 State Budget and the continued implementation of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence recognise the need for system reform, stronger responses and prevention focused approaches. However, prevention does not happen only within systems. It happens in communities.
Many people experiencing domestic and family violence disclose first to someone they know and trust. In multicultural and faith diverse communities, this is often a faith leader or community leader.
If we are serious about prevention, investment must continue beyond legislation and crisis responses and include community capability building. Faith leaders and community leaders need the knowledge, confidence and referral pathways to respond safely, recognise coercive control and connect victim survivors with support.
MCCSA welcomes the continued investment in domestic, family and sexual violence responses and believes there is an opportunity to strengthen culturally responsive prevention through sustained investment in community led approaches, faith leadership training and partnerships that build safer communities.
Prevention starts before crisis. Prevention starts where trust already exists.