Rising bills and stagnant wages are stretching Tasmanians to their limits, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. With the cost of living spiraling, some experts describe the situation as a crisis.
As Tasmania heads into a snap election, both major parties are vying to demonstrate they can ease the financial burdens facing residents. However, experts warn there is no quick fix for a problem that has been worsening for years.
The Tasmanian Council of Social Service reports that 120,000 residents live below the poverty line, unable to meet basic needs. One in five, or approximately 50,000 Tasmanians, experience energy poverty, which means they cannot afford to pay their electricity bills, often resorting to rationing energy, incurring debt, or cutting back on essentials.
Meanwhile, more than 5,000 people remain on the social housing waiting list. Simone Zell, chief executive of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania, emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in how the state addresses the rising cost of living.
She advocates for policies that prioritize supporting people in accessing basic necessities, highlighting the urgency of the situation as families continue to face mounting financial pressure.
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