COST OF LIVING

In a wealthy country like Australia, everyone should be able to afford the essentials needed for a good standard of living. Disappointingly, the major parties have failed to tackle the skyrocketing costs of everyday essentials, from housing to transport, and groceries.

I’m working to lower the cost of living for our community. I have a plan to increase wages for essential workers, provide genuinely affordable homes, fully fund public education, lower energy prices, and make public transport more affordable. Because in a wealthy country like Australia, no one should have to go without the essentials.

OUR PLAN TO LOWER THE COST OF LIVING

Increased wages - Essential workers deserve fair pay and conditions. I'm working to ensure wages for teachers, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, early childhood educators, and other key workers keep pace with the rising cost of living.  
Lower energy bills - Establishing a government-owned electricity retailer and investing in affordable renewable energy is the best way to stop price gouging and bring energy bills down for local households.
Genuinely affordable homes - Building public, social, and genuinely affordable houses and securing rent caps will help ensure everyone has an affordable place to call home.
Fully funded public schools - Public education should be fully funded and free for families to ensure all kids get access to quality education and a good start in life. Parents and P&Cs shouldn’t be left to fill funding gaps.

MY TRACK RECORD

Across housing, transport, and wages, my focus has been on practical, community-driven solutions that make everyday life more affordable – and ensure no one is left behind.

Making housing more affordable

Secured a commitment for 220 affordable key worker homes in Annandale (SMH) and pushed the NSW Labor Government to abandon their plans to sell the site to a private developer (ABC)
Helped end unfair no grounds evictions and increased protections for renters (Hansard)
Led calls for more public, social and affordable housing on publicly owned land including at Glebe Island and Blackwattle Bay (SMH)

Lowering the cost of transport

Successfully campaigned with the community to bring back the Balmain West Ferry to give people a more affordable, quicker option into the city (SMH)
Called on the Premier to provide free public transport for NSW during the ongoing fuel crisis (Watch my motion)
Secured a commitment to return the Glebe Island Bridge as a walking and cycling link to make it easier and cheaper to get from Rozelle into the city (City Hub)

Improving wages and conditions for workers

Advocated in Parliament for better pay and conditions for teachers (Hansard)
Supported NSW Nurses and Midwives in their calls for better pay and conditions (Hansard)
Worked with the Union and Midwives to stop cuts to midwifery jobs at RPA Hospital (The Guardian)