Darren Chester MP – LETTER TO THE EDITOR

This week’s interest rate rise will put even more pressure on Gippsland families already
struggling with the cost of living.
For many households, the first thing they will have done after the decision was sit around
the kitchen table and work out what another increase means for their family budget.
Since Labor was elected, Australians have endured 16 increases in the cash rate. It now
stands at 4.6 per cent, its highest level in 15 years.
Renters are feeling the pressure too, while higher borrowing costs are making the dream
of home ownership even harder for young Gippslanders.
Labor wants to blame global events, but you can’t be unlucky 16 times.
Families and small businesses are being forced to make difficult decisions about their own
budgets, and governments should show the same discipline.
Under Labor, spending as a share of the economy is the highest it has been in 40 years,
and Australia’s inflation rate is now higher than any major advanced economy.
It does not have to be this way.
The Nationals have a plan. We will put a speed limit on spending and restore budget
discipline, cut taxes, back small business and reduce red tape to lift productivity and grow
the economy without fuelling inflation.
DARREN CHESTER
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND