Cost of Living

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A.Simms:

That this council—

1. Recognises that:

(a) inflation in Australia is at its highest level in more than 20 years putting enormous pressure on South Australians, particularly those on low incomes; and

(b) the cost of living is soaring with South Australians facing price hikes on food, fuel, housing and other essentials.

2. Notes the release of the Anglicare Australia Rental Affordability Snapshot 2022 which found:

(a) only two of 1,125 homes on the market in Greater Adelaide were affordable for single people living on the minimum wage;

(b) none of the homes on the market were affordable for single people living on pensions or income support; and

(c) none of the homes in regional and rural South Australia were affordable for a single person without dependents living on income support.

3. Calls on the Malinauskas government to take steps to relieve the cost-of-living pressures faced by South Australians in its first budget by:

(a) making public transport free;

(b) introducing rent caps and rent subsidies;

(c) increasing the wages of public sector workers;

(d) abolishing materials and services charges and subject fees for public school students; and

(e) significantly increasing the investment in public housing.

(Continued from 4 May 2022.)

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (17:36): I move:

That this order of the day be discharged.

Motion carried; order of the day discharged.