Critical Times

Radio ABC Adelaide 891
December 5, 2007

The South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) says the level of poverty in SA has almost doubled since 1993.

A report released by SACOSS shows the problem is even greater in country areas than Adelaide.

Executive director Karen Grogan says South Australia is worse off than most other states, having the highest dependency on social security benefits and with an ageing population.

Ms Grogan says SACOSS has updated its 10-year plan to eradicate poverty, and will keep focusing on health, housing, education and employment issues.

She says the organisation is highlighting the widening gap between the state’s rich and poor.

“We’re seeing increased wealth for some, we’re in the middle of an economic boom, we’re seeing more and more people doing really well, but what’s hidden within that is the number of people who are actually doing much worse,” she said.

Ms Grogan released the plan in Port Pirie, saying she chose a regional centre because of poverty being most evident in country SA.