KIRSTEN WEBSTER:
Well, how much do you think about politics in your day to day life? Do you only think about it when an election is called? Or are you starting to get a bit more interested as we all feel the effects of this cost of living crisis?
SARAH CUMMING:
You might have heard the saying to never discuss politics or religion at a dinner party. That religion and politics are forbidden topics in polite conversation. But now, another hotly contested issue seems to be joining that list; climate, climate change, climate targets. We often hear the term climate wars these days. Why is it so hard to get consensus on an issue as important as the climate?
An Australia first program, IMPACT is poised to enhance the capacity of young people of all cultures, identities, and abilities through empowering and supporting youth to create positive change across the local community.
In the past five years, it has been a privilege and an honour to serve the good people of Moncrieff. It was disappointing to read an opinion piece in this paper earlier this week disregarding the hard work of Liberal National state and federal members of parliament.
GREG JENNETT:
With that in mind, let’s welcome our political panel, Labor frontbencher, Kristy McBain is at Sydney Airport, well away from the New South Wales south coast. And LNP frontbencher, Angie Bell is in Brisbane, less far from her home.
SARAH CUMMING:
Angie Bell joined me a little earlier. Angie, good morning. Why do you think we need to reduce migration by so much?
The Albanese Government has once again shown there is no plan to deliver real support for Gold Coasters at a time when many continue to face increased cost of living pressures. Gold Coasters know that despite the Treasurer’s spin, their bills continue to rise and prices for essential items continue to go up.
Less than 12 months since the Albanese Government’s ‘Cheaper Child Care’ policy came into play, and out of pocket costs have already risen by 7.1 per cent. According to CPI data released today by the ABS, out of pocket costs for early childhood education (ECE) increased by 3.9 per cent in the March 2024 quarter. Out of pocket costs also increased in the December 2023 quarter by 3.2 per cent.
GREG JENNETT:
Let’s bring in our panel today and joining us Labor front bencher, Ged Kearney. Ged’s in Melbourne. Welcome back, Ged and Angie Bell, LNP Frontbencher is on the Gold Coast. Welcome to you to Angie.
GREG JENNETT:
All right, a little earlier than normal. We’re going to bring in our political panel for the day now joining us right here in the studio, Labor Frontbencher, Kristy McBain. Welcome, Kristy, and LNP Frontbencher Angie Bell, welcome back to you too, Angie.