Canberra has the highest cost of living in Australia, and is the 21st most expensive city in the world, according to Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database.
“Communities across Australia are continuing to feel cost of living pressures as high inflation and rising interest rates continue to place pressure on many households around the country,” an ACT Government spokesperson said.
Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee said the ACT’s high index came as no surprise.
“Canberrans continue to pay some of the highest rents in the country, and are also slugged more than other states and territories when it comes to car registration, sporting registration, and we know how much rates and government charges have increased under [Chief Minister] Andrew Barr,” Ms Lee said.
“Add to this the significant increases in interest rates, groceries, petrol and utilities, it is little wonder so many are struggling with cost of living.”
The ACT Government said it had policies to help Canberrans with the cost of living: a range of discounts, rebates, and subsidies for essential services supported equitable living standards and economic security.
“Eligible Canberrans can access support to help with everyday costs, including bills, health care, and transport, as well as sustainable home upgrades and support to rent or buy a home,” the spokesperson said.
Last year, the ACT Government launched an advertising campaign highlighting financial assistance available.
In the lead up to the 2024 Budget, the Government will establish a new cost of living sub-committee of Cabinet, to alleviate financial pressure on Canberrans most affected by energy, education, health, and transport costs during a period of high national inflation.
More information about the ACT Government’s cost-of-living support is available at: act.gov.au/costoflivingsupport.
But the Canberra Liberals believe the ACT Government has not done enough.
“The Canberra Liberals throughout this entire term have raised significant concerns about poverty and cost-of-living pressures, but the Labor-Greens government has continually failed to adequately address those concerns,” Ms Lee said.
“When I am out speaking with members of the community, many are raising the current cost-of-living crisis as their biggest issue, highlighting how little support they are receiving from the local Labor-Greens government.
“Community groups and charity organisations in the ACT have spoken about the increase in Canberrans accessing their services, especially those on incomes.”
Ms Lee said the Labor-Greens government had missed several opportunities to show Canberrans they took the cost-of-living crisis seriously.
“I recently called out the government for failing to assist more Canberrans when it comes to back-to-school costs for families as just one example of a missed opportunity,” Ms Lee said.
“It is disappointing that at a time when Canberrans are doing it tough, the Labor-Greens government continue to waste hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars on dodgy contracts and failed HR systems.”
