SA State Budget 2026 - 27: Key insights

The 2026–27 South Australia (SA) State Budget introduces targeted stamp duty relief measures while maintaining existing payroll tax and land tax policies.  

This Budget was delivered by Treasurer Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP on 4 June 2026, outlining the Malinauskas Government’s focus on housing affordability and long-term economic growth.

The Budget includes significant investment in housing, infrastructure, research and development, transport, and cost of living relief measures. Key initiatives include the $1.3bn rent-to-own program, a $50m research and development productivity fund, infrastructure upgrades, and support for industry, regional communities and drought-affected farmers. The Government estimates a net operating surplus of $223m in 2026–27, with surpluses projected across all years of the forward estimates. 

Fiscal policy remains guided by three objectives:  

• maintaining annual operating surpluses
• limiting expenditure growth to household income growth
• achieving sustainable debt levels.  

Despite continued investment in major infrastructure projects, including the North-South Corridor and the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Budget aims to ensure economic resilience.  

Key tax and revenue measures  of the 2026-27 SA State Budget 

Stamp duty and housing measures  

The most considerable taxation measure announced in the 2026-27 South Australian Budget relates to stamp duty relief aimed at improving housing accessibility and supporting targeted groups within the property market. The Government has committed $77m over five years to provide stamp duty relief for eligible downsizers aged 60 and over who purchase a new home, off-the-plan apartment, or vacant land on which to build a new residence.  

Full relief is available for homes valued up to $2m, with concessions progressively phasing out for properties valued up to $2.1m. Applicants must sell their existing principal place of residence and acquire a replacement property with a land size smaller than that of the existing or previous home.  

SA state taxes remain stable  

The 2026–27 South Australia State Budget maintains existing state taxes, providing certainty for businesses and investors. The Budget contains no new tax increases, with payroll tax rates and land tax rates remaining unchanged, demonstrating a deliberate focus on fiscal stability and cost containment rather than tax reform. 

Business and investment measures

The Budget introduces a range of measures supporting business investment and productivity. This includes a key initiative and government establishment of a $50m research and development productivity fund over four years, designed to increase the scale and impact of research activity, promote collaboration between universities, industry and government, and provide more opportunities for commercialisation.  

Industry support is also provided through:

• a $200m Drought Loan Scheme for drought-affected grain and livestock farmers
• the expansion of the Project 250 Wine Program to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the wine sector
• $12.4m over four years for the Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) partnerships to support mineral exploration and discovery.  

In addition, a red tape reduction review will seek opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens, streamline business interactions with the government, unlock investment and lower business costs, supporting broader economic activity across SA.

Other notable announcements

Public schools – school fee removal

Introduced from the 2027 school year to ease the cost-of-living pressures for parents, caregivers and independent students in government schools. This measure is budgeted to be in force at least until the 2029-30 Budget.

Publicly-funded in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

This initiative from 2026-27 is South Australia’s first IVF rebate scheme to make IVF treatment more affordable for thousands of women and families. The initiative will provide a rebate of $2000 per IVF cycle for up to two cycles, and a $250 rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing for eligible applicants and families.

Senior card – expanded eligibility

Additional funding to support the expansion of the Seniors Card to all South Australians over the age of 60, and to Aboriginal South Australians aged 50 or older from 1 July 2026. The expanded eligibility will mean all eligible recipients will be able to access free 24/7 Adelaide Metro public transport amongst other benefits including discounts on heating and cooling systems, home maintenance and pharmaceuticals.