Hughes Cost-of-Living Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who completed my cost-of-living survey. The results highlight a significant concern within the Hughes electorate regarding cost-of-living challenges. A majority, 88% of respondents, indicated difficulties in managing household finances. 74% have found it challenging to afford groceries, 56% have seen a 25-50% rise in energy bills and 64% have indicated that the rise in the cost of petrol is impacting their daily commute.
These numbers are of great concern to our community.
As we enter draw closer to a federal election, the Liberal party remains committed to holding the Albanese Labor Government accountable. We will continue to pressure the government to prioritise cost-of-living issues for all Australians.
Once again, I appreciate your response to the survey. Your input assists me in effectively representing our electorate in the Federal Parliament.
Are you finding it harder than normal to find the money to support your household?
88% of people surveyed said that they were finding it harder than normal to support their households financially as cost-of-living pressures increased across the electorate.
If you are a renter, are you facing rental stress?
Only 26% of renters across the Hughes electorate reported facing rental stress. Rental stress is the measure showing the proportion of low-income renter households paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
Since the 2022 election, rents are up 13%.
If you are a mortgage holder, are you facing mortgage stress?
54% of mortgage holders stated that they were experiencing mortgage stress. Mortgage stress is when more than 30% of a household's income goes to its mortgage.
Under two years of Labor, a typical family with a mortgage is now more than $35,000 worse off.
Are you struggling to afford groceries?
74% of people across the Hughes electorate say that during this cost-of-living crisis, they are finding it difficult to afford groceries during their weekly shop.
Food up 11%
How much do you estimate your energy bills have increased in the last year
56% of those surveyed reported that they energy bills have increased by 25-50% since 2022.
Electricity is up 20%
Have you sought additional government or charity support in the last 12 months due to cost-of-living?
After speaking with community meal service, One Meal, who provide free meals to those in need across the electorate. The volunteers advise that they are seeing people who have never, ever before attended a food bank.
Since the election, real disposable income fell 7.8% on a per capita basis.
Is the cost of petrol impacting your family as you commute to work?
64% of people who completed the survey expressed that the cost of petrol has become an issue for them and their families.
At the height of petrol price increases, the cost of petrol rose 13.9%
If you are a parent or carer, have you cut back on kids after-school activities due to cost-of-living?
46% of people surveyed said that they have had to cut back on kids after-school activities.
If you are a parent or carer accessing childcare, are the cost increases impacting your household budget?
31% of people say that cost increases are having an impact on accessing childcare.
What do you think the government needs to do to assist young people, families and seniors with the cost of living?
36% of people believe that the government should reduce taxes to help Australians with cost-of-living pressure.