Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Working families and, indeed, all Australians continue to be failed by this Albanese Labor government. Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Launceston Benevolent Society in my home state of Tasmania, a charity that has been providing support to those doing it tough in the Launceston community since 1834. A not-for-profit service, the Launceston Benevolent Society has a mission of offering immediate relief through the provision of food, clothing and household goods to allow clients to focus their resources towards bills and other necessities. They help everyone, without discrimination—just kindness and care. Their staff and numerous volunteers commit to countless hours of support each week. I thank them all for their positive approach and outstanding commitment to the Launceston community.

Powered by the generosity of community and business donations, the Launceston Benevolent Society also provides wraparound services, like mental health support and financial counselling, to help get people back on their feet. Like all crisis charities, the Launceston Benevolent Society has a diverse range of clients. During my visit volunteers told me they had experienced unprecedented demand over the last few years but had seen a marked increase in one specific cohort: individuals and families with full-time jobs.

Despite the Albanese Labor government claiming that people have never been better off, a recent report by Anglicare has laid bare the human cost of their failure to effectively manage the economy and the resultant cost-of-living crisis. The report showed that a worker on the minimum wage is left with just $33 a week after paying for rent, food and transport. We're no longer talking about the cost of living; we are talking about the cost of surviving.

Organisations like the Launceston Benevolent Society work hard to support those struggling to survive in this crisis. However, all Australians deserve a government that acknowledges the economic conditions impacting Australian households.