Cost of living

It’s a sad state of affairs when every time I step up to the dispatch box, it’s to talk about how much Australians are struggling. Why? Because of those opposite. Australians are being hit from every direction in this government’s home grown cost of living crisis.

Insurance is up 39 per cent.

Energy has increased 38 per cent.

Rent’s up 22 per cent.

Health up 18 per cent.

Education costs have increased 17 per cent.

And food has increased by 16 per cent.

And now, the Government’s mismanagement of inflation and fuel security is making things much worse. Inflation was 3.8 per cent in January. That sends a clear message. This crisis is not just global. And it’s not because of the war – as the Minister for Climate Change and Energy claims.

It is being driven right here at home by reckless spending and a government that refuses to take responsibility. This week, we have heard disturbing reports about fuel supply. The Government insists there is “plenty of fuel in the country.”

But wholesalers are reportedly rationing petrol and diesel. Transport companies are being cut off from bulk supplies, and some regional service stations are running dry. If fuel stocks are as strong as those opposite claim, then why is fuel not getting to those who depend on it? That is a supply chain failure. That is the government’s failure. That is an Albanese Labor Government failure.