Rising Cost of Living Hurting Local Families and Businesses

As I have spoken to people across the electorate recently, the issue I have heard about more than any other is inflation and the rising cost of living. The Government’s budget may have returned to surplus but, for so many families and businesses in our community, their budget remains in deficit.

Families are increasingly having to consider where to cut back, just so they can pay their mortgages and buy their groceries. Local businesses are getting hit with a double whammy, with higher costs of running their business and reduced demand from customers. Too many local business owners are having to question whether they can even continue running their business.

It is deeply concerning to hear about how many hard-working members of our community are doing it tough. Inflation is not just an economic issue – it also takes a real human toll on the livelihoods and mental health of Australians.

Lessening that burden must be the number one priority for every Parliamentarian. I know it is certainly at the forefront of my mind. On behalf of our community, I am advocating for measures that will meaningfully and practically reduce the cost of living across our electorate.

For instance, I want the Government to place a greater focus on reducing electricity prices, so local businesses can keep operating and families can pay their bills. I also want to see the Government take up the Coalition’s proposed increase in the number of Medicaresubsidised psychology sessions from 10 to 20, as it was under the previous government. That would reduce costs for families while also genuinely saving lives, especially as people navigate this challenging economic period.

Please contact my office if you would like to share with me how your family and your business are affected by the rising cost of living.