Tuesday 27 August 2024
The Liberals and Nationals are sounding the alarm on the Allan Labor Government to provide cost of living relief while utility bills continue to soar.
Victorians are not immune from cost of living issues as 125,000 Australians are experiencing financial hardship in paying their utility bills. That’s an increase of 37 per cent.
As Labor’s controversial renewable projects roll out across the state, concerns are growing about the long-term impacts on both land and livelihoods.
At the Bendigo Bush Summit, Premier Jacinta Allan, proclaimed renewables as the “cheaper form of energy.”
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim McCurdy, criticised the Allan Labor Government for its inability to bring down the cost of household bills.
“Labor’s decade-long failure to plan and invest properly is pushing up utility prices, leaving Victorians to pay higher household bills,” Mr McCurdy said.
“It’s remarkable, utilities have gone through the roof as Victorians continue to battle cost of living pressures,” Mr McCurdy stated.
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, has slammed the government’s reckless policies, highlighting the detrimental impact on Victoria’s primary production.
“Our farmers are set to lose vital land to turbines, solar panels and transmission lines, which will devastate agricultural productivity and drive-up food costs for all Victorians,” Ms Kealy stated.
“Labor’s own report states that 70 per cent of agricultural land will be replaced with solar and wind industrial estates, which begs the question – how much will it cost Victorians at the supermarket checkout if Labor stops farmers from growing our own food in Victoria?
“The Premier refuses to speak with impacted farmers, and has even taken away their right to appeal government planning decisions that affect them at VCAT,” said Ms Kealy.
“Food security is at risk and yet Premier Allan appears to be totally ignorant of the impact Labor’s policy will have on our farmers and local food production, and how this will push up the cost of food for every Victorian.”
Labor can’t manage money, can’t provide cost of living relief, leaving Victorians to pay the price.