We have spent the first quarter of the year focusing on our typical financial and strategic discussions. In February, the Executive, Board, and I held a strategic planning day outlining our path forward. Our Finance team have been working closely with our actuary to determine the levy we need to charge motorists to ensure we can fund our liabilities to cover all future participant treatment, care, and support needs. We continue to closely watch the impacts of inflation and interest rate rises which will affect the valuation of both our investments and liabilities. We remain well placed to respond and adjust to our changing economic environment.

Sadly, our state’s road toll has been well publicised in the media. Tragically, 41 people have already lost their lives on South Australian roads this year compared to 19 at the same time last year. South Australian Police (SAPOL) have responded to the road toll with a road safety campaign highlighting the impact of fatal crashes on emergency services workers. Also, an LSS Participant will feature in an upcoming SAPOL television commercial to raise awareness about motorcycle accidents.

Road safety initiatives that reduce the incidence or severity of motor vehicle accidents can have an important contribution in reducing the number of people requiring the LSA’s support or reducing the amount of support required. Whilst the media reporting has focused on fatalities, 269 people have also been seriously injured on our roads so far this year, compared to a total of 695 for the entirety of 2022.

I want to recognise the efforts of LSS Participant Holly Scott who continues to publicly share her story as a SAPOL’s inaugural Road Safety Advocate. Holly recently responded to the road toll by speaking to ABC Riverland and drawing upon her own experience to urge drivers to take extra care on our roads. This interview forms part of a wider SAPOL road safety campaign targeting regional communities and you can read the full story here.

Holly’s message is even more critical as we approach the Easter long weekend which is a notorious time for accidents on our roads, especially our country roads as South Australians take the opportunity to travel to our regions.

I wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Easter.

Regards,

Rick Howe

Chief Executive, Lifetime Support Authority

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