David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The cost of living is out of control. In my electorate of Hinkler, one of the lowest socioeconomic regions in the country, pressure points like interest rate rises hit hard. Only yesterday I heard from the Salvos in Bundaberg, where Captain Chris Millard described a 20 per cent rise in demand at Christmas time, more people needing food and essentials than ever before. The growing list of essential needs is simply too expensive under this government. After nearly four years of Labor, Australians are paying more for everything. Insurance is up 39 per cent, energy up 38 per cent, rent up 22 per cent, health up 18 per cent, education up 17 per cent, and food up 16 per cent.

The Salvos in Hinkler, like many service providers, need more support to deliver, and answer the constant and rapidly rising calls for, food, shelter and general expenses. This is about the weekly shop, the monthly power bill, the rent and the mortgage. Inflation rose to 3.8 per cent in December, accelerating at the worst possible time for families—over Christmas. I said in my first speech:

… all Aussies deserve a nice home, cheaper living standards and a fantastic family lifestyle, but, please, do not make decisions—

in this place—

affecting other electorates that you wouldn't want to implement in your own.

This is Labor's cost-of-living crisis. Labor spend; prices rise; Australians pay.

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