Kerrynne Liddle (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

South Australians were listening when the Prime Minister promised 97 times that they would get a $275 reduction in their energy bills, but we don't hear it now—not from the PM, not from Labor MPs and not from senators from South Australia. The cash rate is up at 3.35 per cent, and that means mortgages, too. This month Adelaide's median house price is $565,000, so with a $500,000 loan, you could be paying a total of $908 more a month.

Inflation is at 7.8 per cent, with the impact worse for fixed incomes or in regional and remote areas. South Australia is highly centralised in its geography and, amongst other factors, is affected differently and disproportionately. But you can be sure your mortgages and taxes will be higher under the actions of this Labor government.

The SA Productivity Commission Report of 2022 found South Australian retail consumers continue to face the highest electricity prices across the national energy market. In fact, they pay the highest average quarterly electricity bill in the nation at $322. That is $82 more than the lowest quarterly bill of all other states and territories. A 55 per cent power price rise is forecast over the next two years for SA households, and they've got to cop that.

What is the plan to put downward pressure on inflation, ensuring South Australian industry and small business remains viable and families can support their children? They're feeling the pain right now. They've got no problem with funding child care and cheaper prescriptions, but they need a plan for inflation—not an essay, and definitely not to be told they have to wait. The cost of living is the most important issue, particularly for South Australians but also for all Australians. Are you listening? It seems not.