Numbeo, the biggest cost of living database in the world, says that Canberra is the 21st most expensive city in the world and the most expensive city in Australia.
A spokesman for the ACT Government said, “Households across the country are still feeling the effects of high inflation and rising interest rates on the cost of living in communities across Australia.”
Elizabeth Lee, leader of the Liberal Party in Canberra, said that the high score in the ACT was not a surprise.
“People in Canberra continue to pay some of the highest rents in the country,” Ms. Lee said. “They also pay more than people in other states and territories for things like car and sports registration, and we all know how much rates and government fees have gone up under [Chief Minister] Andrew Barr.”
“With big price hikes in interest rates, groceries, gas, and utilities, it’s not surprising that so many people are having a hard time with the cost of living.”
The ACT Government said it had policies in place to help Canberrans deal with the high cost of living. These included a variety of discounts, rebates, and supports for basic services that helped ensure fair living standards and economic security.
A spokesperson said, “Eligible Canberrans can get help with everyday costs like bills, health care, and transportation. They can also get help with making their homes more energy efficient and renting or buying a home.” The ACT Government started an ad campaign last year to let people know about financial aid that was available.
Before the 2024 Budget, the Government will create a new cost of living sub-committee of Cabinet. This will help Canberrans who are struggling financially because of rising costs of housing, schooling, health care, and transportation during a time of high national inflation.
You can find out more about the ACT Government’s cost-of-living assistance at act.gov.au/costoflivingsupport.
The ACT Government has not done enough, though, according to the Canberra Liberals.
“The Canberra Liberals have raised serious concerns about poverty and rising costs of living throughout this term,” Ms. Lee said. “But the Labor-Greens government has consistently failed to adequately address those concerns.”
“When I talk to people in the community, the rising cost of living is often the first thing they bring up. This shows how little help they are getting from the local Labor-Greens government.”
“Charity and community groups in the ACT have talked about how more Canberrans, especially low-income people, are using their services.” Ms. Lee said the Labor-Greens government had missed several chances to show that they cared about the rising cost of living in Canberra.
“Just recently, I called out the government for missing a chance by not helping more Canberrans with the costs of sending their kids back to school,” Ms. Lee said.
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