Dametto urges State Govt to support cost of living crisis

17th June 2022

State Member for Hinchinbrook and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto.

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has slammed the State Labor Government for failing to support Queenslanders during the current cost of living crisis.

The Hinchinbrook MP said that the $175 Cost of Living Rebate is not enough to assist Queenslanders during these desperate times when people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.[1]

“This week the Fair Work Commission announced an increase in the National Minimum Wage and Modern Award wages and yesterday we’ve got companies such as Woolworths freezing the price of essential items to help ease the pain associated with the sharp increase in the cost of living,” Mr Dametto said.[2]

“What is the State Labor Government doing? Handing out a measly $175 to assist with the skyrocketing electricity prices, it’s not good enough.

“Families are struggling to put food on the table, the rising costs of diesel and fertilizer is adding cost pressures for farmers and increased freight costs are being passed on to small businesses which force them to increase costs for consumers.

“While the State Government is quick to palm managing the cost of living off to the Federal Government, with the State Budget being handed down next week we can only hope both levels of Labor Governments have formulated strategies to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

“State and Federal Governments have been quick to point the finger at the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war for the cost-of-living crisis, but Queenslanders are over the blame game they need support and practical solutions.”

– ENDS –

[1] https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/cost-of-living-rebate#:~:text=Households%20are%20set%20to%20receive,pressures%20many%20Queenslanders%20are%20facing.

[2] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/millions-could-score-pay-rise-in-hours-as-fair-work-commission-announces-minimum-wage-ruling/news-story/592f6e702a1c49cdd55daf39b7e704df