As someone who lives and works in Blaxland, I am proud to call this community my home. I deeply understand the challenges many of us face daily, especially with the rising cost of living. While we are a vibrant and resilient community, the financial pressures affecting households are profound and urgent. It’s clear that now is the time for us to come together, act, and address these challenges head-on.
Over 3.3 million Australians, including more than 700,000 children, are currently living in poverty. Many families in Blaxland are feeling the weight of these figures on their everyday lives.
Approximately 40% of renters fear they will struggle to pay rent in the coming months. This anxiety is echoed within our own community, where many are grappling with the pressure of rising rents.
46% of Australians report heightened financial pressure due to the escalating cost of living—a figure that has risen by 5% in the past quarter. This trend is very much reflected in our local community conversations.
An estimated 3.7 million households faced significant food insecurity last year. Many of our neighbours in Blaxland are impacted, with many families struggling to put healthy food on the table.
Real household disposable income fell by 4.3% last year—the steepest decline since the 1980s. This decline is making it even harder for Blaxland families to stretch their budgets.
Healthcare costs have surged by 12% in the past year, creating additional strain for families already managing financial stress.
The Reserve Bank’s interest rate hikes in 2023 have pushed mortgage costs to a 12-year high, further tightening household budgets in our community.
In response to these pressing issues, I propose a comprehensive plan to alleviate the cost of living crisis and provide real relief for the residents of Blaxland. My approach focuses on practical, community-driven solutions that address the immediate needs of our households while laying the foundation for long-term stability.
• Advocate for increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance, allowing renters to keep up with rising rental costs.
• Introduce measures to cap rental increases, ensuring that housing remains affordable for all Blaxlanders.
Push for subsidies or rebates on energy bills, following the successful models proposed by Labor, to ease the growing burden of utility costs on households and small businesses.
Promote job training programs and support initiatives aimed at increasing local employment, ensuring Blaxland residents have access to stable, well-paying jobs
Expand access to bulk-billed healthcare services and increase funding for community health programs to ensure that essential health services remain affordable for everyone in Blaxland.
Collaborate with local businesses, charities, and organizations to establish community-driven solutions for food insecurity, such as food banks, community gardens, and local food-sharing programs.
Advocate for policies that promote the development of affordable housing in Blaxland, ensuring that all residents have access to safe and secure homes.
Support measures to address price gouging and promote fair pricing practices, particularly in essential services like groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Blaxland deserves a representative who listens and acts on our community’s needs. The cost-of-living crisis is something that affects us all, and it’s time for us to act. I invite everyone to join me in this fight for meaningful, long-lasting relief. Together, we can advocate for policies that will provide real support to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.
Let’s work together to create a Blaxland where everyone can thrive—free from the burden of financial hardship. Your voice matters—let’s make it heard and ensure that our community gets the support it deserves!
