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Thursday, 25 May, 2023
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Uncertain future for road projects
Quarters adds up to success Quarters Primary School showcased the creative talent of their students last week at the annual art show. With food, entertainment and spectacular art displays, the show was labelled a “huge success“. STORY PAGE 12
Shelly, Milan and Sarogini. 334682 Picture: GARY SISSONS
Budget pressure last quarter as well, painting a bleak picture for Victorians already struggling to make ends meet. Research conducted by the Salvation Army revealed 75 per cent of parents using their services are living below the poverty line as they fight to maintain housing and daily living costs. “I have lost 40 kilograms in the last nine months because all my money goes on keeping a roof over my kids’ heads and trying to keep them in a safe place,” a 55-year-old mother told The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army research found that 93% of respondents in their research are in dire financial situations.
After paying for essential living costs, such as housing, food, utilities, health and fuel, the typical respondent is living on less than $6 a day. The new state budget has set out a variety ways it plans to contribute to cost of living relief. Minister for Energy and Resources, Climate Action and the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio says the budget will “drive down power bills“. The Andrew’s Labor Government will tackle bloated electricity bills by funnelling $400 million into another round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus. Continued page 13
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Struggling Victorians can expect little respite from the cost of living crisis under the Andrew’s state budget, according to opposition parties. Premier Daniel Andrews said the budget offers “real relief on the cost of living“. “We’re doing everything we promised Victorians we’d do – and we’re not wasting a moment getting on with it,“ he said. While food price inflation rates have slowed to 8 per cent in March 2023 from 9.2 per cent in December 2023, the extra burden is a weight felt by all. According to the Australian Financial Re-
view, Victorians can expect up to a 31 per cent rise in household power bills from 1 July. Australians have been subjected to distended household costs over the past year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures household inflation in Australia. In the 12 months to March 2023, the CPI rose by 7 per cent. Gas and other household fuels rose by 14.3 per cent, while medical expenses rose by 4.2 per cent. Housing costs saw a 9.8 per cent increase. Recreation costs increased by 8.6 per cent. Health increased by 5.3 per cent. Each of these areas have increased over the
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By Emily Chapman Laing