SA-Best

See how we've assessed them for all policy statements included in the Build a Ballot tool. Want to suggest a revision? Send us an email at tool@buildaballot.org.au

Policy

Evidence of support

Support level

Policy

Streamline planning approvals for strata developments that meet good design standards in well-located areas

Evidence
"...we are in a housing crisis and any unnecessary red tape that prevents people getting into much-needed housing should be reduced as far as possible." https://hansardsearch.parliament.sa.gov.au/daily/uh/2025-11-13/38
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Establish a fund to purchase land for housing and underwrite apartment construction projects

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC somewhat supports establishing a fund to purchase land for housing and underwrite apartment construction projects
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Build more social housing to reduce the public housing waitlist and plan for future demand

Evidence
SACOSS SA Election Report Card 2026: Securing people’s safety by increasing public and community housing stock is one of the remarkably simple ideas. We know it works, and that its benefits have a ripple effect... SA-BEST SUPPORTS an increase in the development of public and community housing. https://sacoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Response-SA-BEST.pdf
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Cap rent increases in line with CPI

Evidence
SACOSS SA Election Report Card 2026: I hold concerns that this type of market intervention will severely impact rental stock and exacerbate the problem it intends to fix. Rental affordability should be addressed by governments through rent allowances and supply, but I DO NOT at this point SUPPORT the introduction of rent caps. https://sacoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Response-SA-BEST.pdf
Support
Oppose
Policy

Remove stamp duty for eligible first homebuyers on existing homes and older South Australians downsizing to smaller homes

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC somewhat supports removing stamp duty for eligible first homebuyers on existing homes and older South Australians downsizing to smaller homes
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Prohibit new residential gas connections from a specified date

Evidence
SACOSS SA Election Report Card 2026: SACOSS’s proposal that homes be fully electrified may indeed turn out to be a sensible path forward. However, I think there are some hard roads to traverse in terms of understanding our future energy requirements and supply issues, before one could commit to the propositions. To that end, SA-BEST DOES NOT SUPPORT these proposals at this time. https://sacoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Response-SA-BEST.pdf
Support
Oppose
Policy

Introduce measures such as grants to encourage landlords to install solar panels on rental properties

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports introducing measures such as grants to encourage landlords to install solar panels on rental properties
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Set minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties (covering heating, cooling, hot water, shower heads, ceiling insulation and draughtproofing) from a specified date

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I support in principle but proper consideration must be given to the increased costs for landlords. This would need to be the subject of inquiry and debate before it could be seriously contemplated.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Establish a fund to support more strata properties to connect to shared solar panel and battery systems, Virtual Power Plants and solar gardens

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC somewhat opposes establishing a fund to support more strata properties to connect to shared solar panel and battery systems, Virtual Power Plants and solar gardens
Support
Oppose
Policy

Increase investment in green spaces, prioritising high-risk communities

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports legislating a minimum standard of access to clean, safe and affordable water
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Legislate a minimum standard of access to clean, safe and affordable water

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports legislating a minimum standard of access to clean, safe and affordable water
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Establish clear, coordinated responsibilities across departments and agencies for preparing and responding to climate-related disasters (such as algal blooms, heatwaves, bushfires, flooding and droughts) and increase long-term multi-year funding for these activities

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: In response to the algal bloom crisis, I successfully moved amendments to the state's Emergency Management Act to explicitly list marine environment (including flora and fauna) disasters as natural disasters. Connie Bonaros MLC has announced her support for investment in marine science, forecasting, and climate resilience to prevent future algal blooms and protect coastal ecosystems https://conniebonaros.com.au/current-actions/algal-bloom
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Expand fully protected zones and increase investment in acquiring and restoring high biodiversity land, freshwater and ocean ecosystems to protect under the National Parks and Wildlife Act

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I negotiated our marine park sanctuary zones in collaboration with the environmental and conservation sectors and commercial and recreational fishing sectors. Those negotiations, which also included compensation for previously adversely impacted fishers, were agreed to by all sides of politics and remain in place to date. Such an outcome is unprecedented anywhere in Australia. I also successfully lobbied against the approval of offshore windfarms at Port McDonnell - which would have decimated coastal regional towns not to mention some of our most pristine waters and marine life as well as fishing precincts, in the nation.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Introduce a levy on plastic waste to encourage manufacturers to find alternatives and reduce waste generation

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Concerns around passing on costs to consumers at a time when cost of doing business and cost of living is so high.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Increase funding for childcare services to build new centres and expand existing centres

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: There needs to be a strong focus on adequate childcare centres in our regions.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Invest in inclusive school facilities for students with autism and provide extra support services (such as psychologists and speech pathologists) for students experiencing disadvantage

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I have also proposed we consider the benefits of nurses at all public schools to alleviate the pressure off teachers and continue to have these discussions with the ANMF(SA).
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Invest in more apprenticeships, university scholarships, upskilling courses and technical colleges to support students to pursue skilled careers

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports investing in more apprenticeships, university scholarships, upskilling courses and technical colleges to support students to pursue skilled careers
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Fully cover all public school costs for families including materials and services charges and fees for extracurricular activities during school hours

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I support the Labor government's commitment
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase funding for infrastructure upgrades at schools, preschools and childcare centres

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I introduced a bill that would require all asbestos to be removed from schools within a 10 year timeframe. The bill also provided for the establishment of a register of all public schools still containing asbestos as well as tracking measures.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Commit to 100% renewable energy generation, increase investment in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, and implement measures to ensure responsible delivery (such as benefit sharing guidelines and payment schemes)

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: subject to reasonable transition periods to allow industry and consumers to transition in a way that doesn't result in increased cost and is realistic in its implementation.
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Phase out subsidies for fossil fuel companies

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports phasing out subsidies for fossil fuel companies
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Strengthen state planning and environment laws to stop new gas approvals and expansions

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: The current government has confirmed its commitment to gas. I am not seeking to form government.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Increase recruitment and retention incentives (such as relocation packages and bonuses) for healthcare professionals, particularly in regional areas

Evidence
"It was great to meet with members of the leadership team at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF SA Branch) today to hear directly about the workforce shortages and gaps across our health system." https://www.instagram.com/p/DVdr1v_EWyz/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Build new mental health assessment units at major hospitals

Evidence
"The Unmet Needs report commissioned by the Chief Psychiatrist and made available to the government in 2023 found that 19,000 South Australians in dire need of mental health care are unable to gain access, resulting in a far higher admission rate at emergency departments for mental health cases. The report has yet to be formally responded to by the government despite clear indication that the implementation of its recommendations would significantly decrease ramping and wait times. SA-BEST will continue to pressure the government to make real lasting commitments in responding to this overwhelming need." https://conniebonaros.com.au/my-wins/health-wellbeing
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Expand the remit of Preventative Health SA and increase funding for its programs

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: My voting record already reflects this. Connie Bonaros MLC has announced she will fight for South Australia to invest in prevention—targeting obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity, so fewer people end up in hospital in the first place https://conniebonaros.com.au/current-actions/health
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Remove payroll tax on GPs and provide funding to support GPs to extend their opening hours

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I have successfully lobbied on behalf of GPs together with the RACGP, particularly in relation to grouping implications. I will continue to push for the removal of payroll tax on GPs to support longer opening hours. The current arrangements reduce the financial viability of GP clinics to remain open for extended hours and completely overlook the additional complexities in regional SA.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Protect South Australia’s current abortion laws and continue to treat abortion as a healthcare service

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I have been a strong advocate on abortion and remain committed to my position. Connie Bonaros MLC voted against the Termination of Pregnancy (Restriction on Terminations after 22 Weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill in 2025 https://hansardsearch.parliament.sa.gov.au/daily/uh/2025-11-12/58
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Provide rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing and fertility treatments

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Connie Bonaros MLC strongly supports providing rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing and fertility treatments
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in network of EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and regional South Australia

Evidence
RAA's 2026 state election scorecard: SA-BEST SUPPORTS these proposals in principle but acknowledges that in a climate of limited resources, such major and costly infrastructure proposals will need to be prioritised. Projects of the size and nature of those proposed by the RAA would require careful attention to detail and ongoing monitoring to manage scope creep, financial blowouts, scheduling issues, and community interests. https://daily.raa.com.au/growth-with-gridlock-response/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in road maintenance to address South Australia’s increasing backlog

Evidence
RAA's 2026 state election scorecard: SA-BEST SUPPORTS further investment in maintaining our road network and reducing the maintenance backlog. The continued underspending on our roads needs to stop and SA-BEST will advocate for increased and appropriate funding in the next parliament. https://daily.raa.com.au/growth-with-gridlock-response/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in public transport infrastructure and services to improve the frequency and reliability of public transport across South Australia

Evidence
RAA's 2026 state election scorecard: SA-BEST SUPPORTS the development of the rail network masterplan to support housing growth and to reduce congestion on our roads. Indeed, SA-BEST has supported government initiatives to unlock land on the condition that appropriate infrastructure, including transport, is considered. SA-BEST SUPPORTS the establishment of a trial of on-demand bus services in Goolwa, Victor Harbor, and parts of the Adelaide Hills. https://daily.raa.com.au/growth-with-gridlock-response/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Introduce a 50 cent flat fare for all public transport trips

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I am committed to making public transport as affordable as possible, noting this government has ruled out 50 cent fares on the basis that it would be economically unviable. Further investigation of what is viable is necessary.
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Increase investment in active transport infrastructure to deliver on South Australia’s Walking Strategy and Cycling Strategy

Evidence
RAA's 2026 state election scorecard: SA-BEST gives in principle SUPPORT for initiatives designed for safer active transport - and welcomes further consultation on cycling and e-mobility safety infrastructure. https://daily.raa.com.au/growth-with-gridlock-response/
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Increase funding for evidence-based early intervention and community support programs

Evidence
Connie Bonaros MLC and SA-BEST prioritise pro-active, preventive measures to address the root causes of crime, including early intervention programs and community-based initiatives aimed at at-risk individuals https://conniebonaros.com.au/my-wins/rights-justice
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I've been a strong advocate of raising the age of criminal responsibility and remain committed to this position. I've said publicly, the status quo simply isn't working and my position is reflected in parliamentary debates and public commentary over 8 years. But we need a plan. In 2024, Connie Bonaros MLC spoke in Parliament: "On the matter of the age of criminal responsibility... I support raising the age... We have to explore effective compassionate approaches to dealing with kids in crisis, youth in crisis." https://hansardsearch.parliament.sa.gov.au/daily/uh/2024-08-28/66?sid=c89353086de54f77b3
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Provide grants to businesses and councils for security measures such as CCTV, alarm and intercom systems, lighting, fences and gates

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Support in principle, especially for businesses, subject to analysis of how a grant program would operate.
Support
Somewhat support
No items found.