HAVE YOUR SAY ON COST OF LIVING PRESSURES

The rising cost of living is having a significant impact on household budgets, community groups and business finances, and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging people to make a submission to a new Senate inquiry on its effects.

The Liberal and Nationals Coalition has established a Senate Select Committee to inquire into the causes of cost of living pressures and how they are impacting Australians, and to examine and report on ways of easing these pressures through the tax system and the provision of Government services.

“Many constituents tell me that the cost of living is the number one issue they are facing, and some are worried about being able to pay their bills and put food on the table,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Select Committee wants to hear from Australians across a broad range of sectors and demographics, and I encourage families, individuals, and community organisations in the Wide Bay to make a submission.

“The inquiry will establish a comprehensive picture of how cost of living pressures are impacting Australians and identify the actions and the policies the Government must put in place to address this looming crisis.

“Local businesses are telling me that their energy costs are set to skyrocket in 2023.  These costs can’t be absorbed by business and they will have no choice but to pass on increases to consumers. This will just make it even harder for households and community groups in Wide Bay to make ends meet.”

The Senate Select Committee is inviting submissions from interested individuals and organisations, and close on 10 March 2023. The Committee intends to conduct hearings and call witnesses before releasing its final report and recommendations.

Submissions can be via the Committee’s website: Select Committee on Cost of Living – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)