So cost of living is the leading issue in this election right? People are all fired up and things are really tight?
Not so much in the New England.
A disappointingly small number of people responded to the Cost of Living poll last week – in and of itself an indicator that there isn’t a lot of intense feelings on this. It was still a good sample with a good balance of age, gender, and political leanings, but as it is a little on the small side, not too many numbers this week and a general caution that none of the numbers below should be extrapolated to be reflective of anything other than those who answered the poll. The qualitative results are solid though, the equivalent of 25 focus groups.
Over half the respondents said their weekly household income was less than $1500 – that is less than average wage. But, only 10% said they don’t have enough money to cover basic essentials – which the dry economic analysts will tell you will always be the case, the poor will always be with us. 40% said they have enough money but can’t save, 38% said they can save a little.
1 in 5 respondents said they were doing better 12 months ago than now. Which is a significant amount of people, but it’s certainly not the wide spread dire state that some reports indicate are feeling the pinch elsewhere.
Most of those doing it tough at the moment revealed in the comments they are on fixed incomes.
Yes it’s ridiculous to not have enough to make ends meet and be tied to pension – no idea how to survive without it with a high needs kid as a single mum. I’m trapped!
45-49 female in Armidale
My husband is on a disability pension and I’m on a carers pension and we just manage to buy food. I always extend our electricity bill payments. We’re very lucky because we own our property and have no credit cards but we really struggle running a farm. The cost of produce, vaccines and drench for the stock is ridiculous. The cost of fencing is very high. A bit of support for rural cost would be much appreciated.
55-59 year old female in Guyra
In one of the most classic expressions of New England’s stoicism, there is a perception the real pain is being experienced by others.
With careful planning I can cover day to day expenses. I am lucky enough to own my home and car. If I didn’t life would be very different as it is for many households at present.
65-69 year old female from Walcha
My parents are struggling with rates and power bills and the cost of insurance, they have had to cancel a lot of their policies.
24 and younger male from Tamworth
I am incredibly glad to no longer be paying a mortgage.
75-79 year old female from Armidale
From these comments you’ll start to see what looks to be the difference between us and those screaming about their cost of living in the cities – lots of people here own their homes. New Englanders, generally speaking, aren’t groaning under 7 figure mortgages – and mortgage repayments are the biggest factor in the cost of living increase.
The bills New Englanders are feeling the most is insurance and medical costs. Insurance is the biggest source of pain, with 85% of respondents saying their insurance was more expensive than 12 months ago.
Insurances have gone through the roof, I doubt I’ll be able to afford house insurance, I’m seriously considering dropping my health insurance
75-79 year old female from the Quirindi area
We have significant health issues in our family. The government doesn’t seem to realise people with chronic health conditions require extended medical appointments which attracts lower rebates. We can’t afford to see the doctors we need because they don’t bulk bill chronic health patients.
30-34 year old male from Armidale
When it comes to the politics of it, most did agree there was a cost of living crisis.
And some are quite directly calling BS on the rhetoric.
The cost of living in Australia is entirely a government created problem. They have pumped so much money into the system and devalued every dollar we already had. We are on the Road to Venezuela an economic basket case. When people believe they cannot afford their mortgage, the truth is they cannot afford their governments.
55-59 year old male from Tamworth
Cost of living is real but also just a cop out so current government can blame someone else and not take responsibility for their own mismanagement
60-64 year old female from Armidale
Labor’s $5 a week tax cut for everyone was only supported by 41% of respondents, and only 25% supported it not being introduced until 2026. Joke, insult, and waste were the most common sentiments expressed.
What a joke. Not till June 2026 and $5. They are useless at managing the economy.
65-69 year old male from Walcha
It depends, low and middle income earners should definitely get a tax cut, the wealthy and those in the highest income tax bracket, should not.
50-54 year old woman from Uralla
Just over half did support the $150 energy bill rebate, but a very significant proportion of respondents argued for bigger reforms. Women in particular are sceptical and question the high prices being charged in the first place.
With the money already used in the last power bill rebate the government could’ve subsidised nearly 4 million homes to have solar and batteries installed, permanently driving down costs and providing more stability for the grid.
25-29 year old male from Armidale
As much as I appreciate a rebate, why is the government supplying a rebate and therefore agreeing with the rates being charged?
55-59 year old female from Guyra
I don’t see the point. How do we even know that the power company has actually taken it off the price or is just jacking up prices? My last bill didn’t seem like I was getting $75 off even thought it stated I was. The bill didn’t look lower (especially as I was away for half the period). I just think we’re getting scammed.
45-49 year old female from Tamworth
The poll was put into the field before the Liberal Party announced their cut in fuel excise election pledge, so we did not ask about this measure.
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