I am acutely aware of the pressures so many in our community face due to the increased cost of living. In November, I moved a motion in Parliament regarding these pressures, which continue to grow across our state.
The Government’s failure to address rising cost-of-living pressures has sparked growing frustration, with 41% of Australians struggling to pay bills, according to SEC Newgate’s September 2024 report*.
Despite public concern, no meaningful action has been taken to alleviate the burden on families.
Under the current Government, essential costs have surged: food prices are up 5.8%, housing costs by 7.4%, and health premiums by 5.1%. In NSW, school canteen prices have risen by up to 50% with over 500 public school canteens now operated by private contractors-despite the Government’s stated opposition to privatisation.
Small businesses are also feeling the pressure, with 82% reporting increased time and money spent on compliance.
The Opposition has called for the reinstatement of cost-of-living measures like Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers to ease financial strain on families.
Communities are increasingly dissatisfied, and the Opposition urges the Government to listen and take meaningful action to support struggling households.
As these issues continue to affect communities across New South Wales, it’s crucial that the government listens to the real-life concerns of its citizens and takes meaningful action.
I encourage anyone affected by these pressures, or who has ideas or suggestions, to reach out to my office. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping policies that matter to our community. I am always available to listen, discuss concerns, and work together to find solutions.
Together, we can push for the change our communities urgently need.
