Putting Locals First in the Fight Against Cost of Living Increases

Right across the electorate, families are being pushed to the edge. Power bills are out of control, groceries have doubled, fuel is chewing through pay packets, and it’s only getting worse. The cost of living crisis isn’t just about numbers. It’s about real people struggling to make ends meet.

I believe in practical solutions that put Australians first. That starts with energy. We need to reform the National Electricity Market to bring back cheaper baseload power like coal and gas while preparing to adopt nuclear in the near future. This approach can cut power bills by up to 20 percent and restore energy stability.

Fuel is another major pressure point. I support cutting the fuel excise in half for at least three years. That puts money back in the pockets of working families and lowers freight costs, which in turn brings down prices across the board. Groceries, deliveries, everything.

Tax reform is long overdue. Pensioners should be able to earn more without penalty. Couples with dependent kids should be able to split income for a fairer tax outcome. And self-funded retirees deserve a higher tax-free threshold to reflect the cost of living today.

Even a night out has become unaffordable. I support removing the excise on beer and spirits served in venues to help local pubs, clubs, and hospitality bounce back while making life just that little bit more liveable.

Healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury either. We need to boost the Medicare rebate to encourage more bulk billing and crack down on Medicare fraud. That fraud is costing billions and putting pressure on honest taxpayers.

These aren’t bandaid fixes. They’re real, targeted measures to give Aussies a break and build a stronger, more sustainable future.