The Albanese government is battling a widening cost of living crisis, as global conflict drives up the cost of energy.
Cost of living pressures are returning as a key issue for the Albanese government following the Voice referendum, as rising petrol prices drive up inflation and advocacy groups warn that another round of power bill relief is needed before the end of the year as high energy prices squeeze households budgets.
“We are actively encouraging governments to do some more support for households, particularly in the energy space before Christmas or shortly thereafter because that is where there’s a significant bill load on households.” The 7 per cent petrol price jump over the three months to September is the largest quarterly rise since prices spiked 11 per cent in the March quarter last year, after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The government also delivered a package of subsidies in the federal budget in May, which offered rebates worth $500 to 5 million financially vulnerable households and small businesses. The Victorian government chipped in with rebates worth $250 and NSW $180. A recent Australian Council of Social Service survey of 427 people receiving income support showed that almost all are taking some action to cut back on their energy use to lower their bills, including 74 per cent cutting back on cooling and heating and 62 per cent cutting back lighting.
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