Kim O’Keeffe, the Nationals Member for Shepparton District, is urging people in the community to respond to a cost-of-living survey.
“Families right across the Shepparton District are struggling to make ends meet, pay bills and put food on the table with the average Victorian family grocery bill is now $1,565 more than last year and electricity prices up 23 per cent,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“While businesses are also being hit with higher bills; higher government taxes, fees and charges; higher WorkCover premiums; higher interest rates and higher inflation under Labor.”
The ‘Cost of Living Survey’ is a series of short questions to help The Nationals learn more about the troubles of hardworking regional Victorians and to best advocate their needs.
“Regional Victorians continue to pay more in taxes and charges, but are left with reduced government services, a dangerously neglected road network and a health system in collapse,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
“Many Victorians are being forced to cut back or delay paying bills so they can keep their car on the road, food on the table, kids at school, medicines in the cupboard and a roof over their head.
“My office has been inundated with people experiencing financial stress.
“It is not good enough,” said Ms O’Keeffe, adding, “Which is why it is important to take these stories of local people to Parliament so that Labor understands exactly how their waste and mismanagement is hurting Victorians, and to come up with solutions on how The Nationals can ease these cost-of-living pressures for our local people.
“The Government is costing taxpayers over $10 million per day in interest to cover their exorbitant debt.
Ms O’Keeffe said regional Victorians continue to be punished by Labor’s incompetence and this survey is an opportunity to hear feedback on how people in the Shepparton District are struggling, to then communicate this to the Government.
Families and businesses are encouraged to complete the survey, which will only take a few minutes of your time, at https://vicn.at/costofliving