Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Cost of living

Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:48): (1321) My adjournment matter is for the Treasurer, and the action that I seek is that he provide cost-of-living relief to Victorians as this festive season approaches. Parliament is in its last sitting week before the summer break, and I am sure many of us are very much looking forward to some time off with our friends and with our families over the festive season. However, this is not the reality for many. According to Indeed, more than half of Australians are being forced to take on extra work over the holiday period due to the cost-of-living crisis. Coles and Woolworths continue to rip off families and underpay workers to the point where warehouse operators have now gone on strike. This used to be the time of year when families would gather together away from their jobs and enjoy the summer festivities, no matter how much they earned. But now because of the continual failure of governments to address ever-rising costs of living, even holidays are becoming unattainable for many people.

This crisis has been escalating for years. In that time, solution after solution has been put forward to take on the problem. In that time, things have only gotten worse. The supermarkets are jacking up prices and continue to price gouge, despite calls for regulation. Landlords have continued to raise rents despite our proposal for rent controls. Families across this country have been forced to cut down not just on luxuries but basic essentials in order to keep a roof over their head. This crisis is ridiculous. It is cruel, it is oppressive and it is wholly preventable. People should be able to afford to have a break over the summer or whenever they choose. They should be able to afford to celebrate this festive season without having to scrimp and save. Workers deserve a proper holiday without having to instead take up extra shifts. People need to know that this is not normal and that the holiday season should not bring more stress than joy.