Page 287 - Week 01 - Thursday, 13 February 2020
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I find it very hard to believe that the Labor and Greens members in this place, particularly those who are representing the outer suburban areas, do not hear it. Perhaps they are not leaving the building or perhaps they are just blindly ignorant to it.
I take this opportunity that this debate offers to give voice to the concerns that are raised with me on an all too regular basis. The following are quotes from a variety of constituents received not just recently but built up over a number of years and are just an excerpt of some of the correspondence that comes into our office or the types of conversations that are had with constituents out on the ground. One constituent says:
The cost of living is hitting hard. $2,200 for rates. Registration and TPI for two cars $2,000. We have a total earnings of $91,000—
gross—
a year with my wife working two jobs—
just to keep them above water—
On top of that we have a mortgage and top level health insurance—both of us experiencing bad health and require time in hospital.
Another says:
As a member of the fastest growing demographic—now a lone female empty nester, I really do fear for my financial future when already as a full-time worker paying a mortgage I struggle with the ever-increasing utilities costs AND the disgraceful exponential increasing of rates.
If I were to downsize my small house to an apartment as this social engineering government would have me do, then with rates and body corporate fees and NO mortgage I would have to find circa $200 per week before medical, utility, food and travel costs.
I can see many cold winters ahead of me as well as uncomfortable hot summers while more people struggle with the choice between food or warmth.
Another says:
It is normal to expect the cost of living will rise every year, but in Canberra for the last five years the Municipal Rates, car registration and rents have risen disproportionately.
Another says:
We have just received our annual residential rates notice and we are bowled over by the increase, no wonder so many of us are complaining.
Another resident says:
As residents and ratepayers of Tuggeranong Valley we have felt very neglected for a very long time by Andrew Barr and his government and furious at his comment on radio when he stated that there were not many votes for him in Tuggeranong.
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