The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe has called on the Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes to urgently address the cost-of-living pressures that are significantly impacting on people in the community.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms O’Keeffe raised with the Treasurer, a lived experience of a constituent who cannot afford to pay their rent and is desperately struggling to make ends meet and now facing the very real risk of homelessness. Life has got so much harder under the Allan Labor Government and it is distressful to see the level of hardship that is being experienced.
“Labor’s escalating land tax increases has had such a detrimental effect with more landlords now selling because it is no longer viable to own a rental property,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Every time a rental is sold, we lose another home from the already limited rental housing pool, and if they keep their rental property the landlord has to increase the rent to cover the increased costs that is then passed on to the tenant.
“How does the government expect people to be able to cope. They have their head in the sand whilst Victorians face increasing hardship and are trying to survive in a cost of living crisis and more than ever before, people are seeking assistance.
“Whether it be food relief, basic necessities or cover their bills, people are being left behind by the Allan Labor Government.”
Ms O’Keeffe added that even local food relief services and Community Houses are urging the government to urgently review and reform the current funding model. The demand is increasing yet the funds have been cut.
“The Treasurer must acknowledge that people are struggling to put a roof over their head and food on the table and she must do everything about. Not just sit back and ignore the significant financial challenges and real hardship that is currently being faced.
“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money, can’t manage the cost of living crisis and its regional Victorians who are left paying the price.”
