By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
The state opposition is aiming to make cost of living pressures an election issue with its Costwatch campaign visiting the region this week.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos and Upper House MP Simon Ramsay were joined by Parliamentary Secretary Michael Gidley driving a sign-written truck to draw attention to the issue.
Mr Katos said living costs were biting across the board.
“It’s not just people in lower socio-economic areas that are hit by higher costs of living,” Mr Katos said.
“It’s an important issue and one where we need to listen to people.
“The response so far has been that people are keen to share their issues with rising costs of living.
“We are hearing stories of people suffering through no fault of their own and being caught by red tape or falling between the cracks.”
Mr Gidley said there were different issues for different sectors such as retires, couples, families and single people.
He said education, utilities and health costs were all running ahead of CPI and were adding to household bills.
Mr Ramsay said lower economic confidence led to casual workers having shifts reduced as discretionary spending was reined in by families.
“Costs rise while income stagnates,” he said.
The campaign has established website costwatch.com.au where people can leave their feedback.
