A new report has underlined the warped priorities of the Rockliff government, with a huge majority of Tasmanians worried about the skyrocketing cost of living.
The latest shows more than 90 per cent of Tasmanians are concerned about cost of living challenges, with 75 per cent having moderate to extreme concerns. Concern is highest among people living with a health condition or disability, with the cost of groceries and power causing the most pressure.
Two thirds of Tasmanians say they are worse off than twelve months ago, 68 per cent say now is the wrong time to make a major purchase, and large majorities are deeply pessimistic about future economic and social conditions.
Going backwards, expecting worse – what a shocking indictment of 10 years of Liberal government.
And in further evidence Jeremy Rockliff is failing Tasmanians when it comes to addressing the cost of living, the report makes clear Tasmanians are being hit harder by rising prices than people in other states.
The percentage of Tasmanians who wouldn’t be able to raise $2,000 for something important within a week is now at 33 per cent of the population – 15 per cent higher than the Australian average – with another per cent unsure.
Labor’s policy to save every household $500 by placing a cap on power prices has never been more important.
With the report describing the data as “compelling evidence of financial despair”, it is clear Tasmanians need help with the cost of living crisis but all Jeremy Rockliff seems to care about is a billion dollar stadium in Hobart.
The Liberals have had 10 years to make a difference with the cost of living – if they haven’t done so by now, they never will.
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Community Services
Labor Member for Rumney
