Struggling with Australia’s Cost of Living Crisis?
The rising cost of living under the Labor government is hitting hardworking Australian families the hardest. From skyrocketing mortgage payments to everyday expenses like food, rent, and utilities—people across the country are feeling the pressure.
Why Are Costs Out of Control?
Australian families are being pushed to the brink. Consider these alarming statistics:
Housing Costs: The cost of housing has surged dramatically. In Sydney, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre now exceeds A$3,261.50 per month.
Mortgage Interest Rates: Families with mortgages are facing skyrocketing interest rates, driving up living expenses by a staggering 6.2% annually for employee households—well above the headline inflation rate of 3.8%.
Food and Utilities: Basic needs like groceries and utilities are becoming more expensive:
Households now spend an average of A$563 per person per month on food.
Monthly utility costs for essentials such as electricity, heating, and water have reached A$327.19 in major cities like Sydney.
Healthcare Costs: Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are rising, with a standard GP visit costing around A$70 and dental check-ups averaging A$90. Many Australians are delaying medical appointments because they simply can't afford it.
Who’s Feeling the Pain?
Over 10 million Australians are grappling with the financial stress caused by rising costs. This isn't just about dollars and cents—it’s about real people facing real consequences:
Sleep Disruptions & Mental Health Strain: One-third of Australians are losing sleep over financial worries. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, as families struggle to balance rising expenses and stagnating wages.
Relationship Strain: Families are feeling the pressure. Nearly 20% of Australians report arguments with loved ones due to financial stress.
Undernourished and Overworked: With nutritious food becoming more expensive, many Australians are sacrificing their health to stay afloat. Energy poverty is forcing people to live in unsafe conditions as they struggle to afford heating and cooling.
We Can No Longer Ignore the Reality
Working families are shouldering the highest burden. Those in the workforce have experienced a 6.2% rise in living costs over the past year, driven largely by mortgage payments and insurance premiums. Compare that to the general inflation rate of just 3.8%, and it’s clear that wage growth isn’t keeping up with these escalating costs.
It’s time for action. The cost-of-living crisis is not only a financial issue—it’s a public health crisis. Stress-related illnesses are on the rise, and families are cutting back on essentials, compromising both their physical and mental well-being.
Join the Movement to Demand Change
At the Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance, we’re advocating for policies that reduce the financial burden on working families and everyday Australians. We believe in fairer taxes, transparent government spending, and policies that put people—not politics—first.
Real People, Real Stories
Hear from Australians across the country who are feeling the effects of rising costs—and how we’re helping them fight back.
Susan from Melbourne: “We’re barely keeping up with the mortgage. Every month feels like a struggle.”
David from Sydney: “Our grocery bill has nearly doubled. We’ve had to cut back on essentials just to make it through.”