POLITICS
On track , but there ’ s
with Michelle Rowland MP
more to do
In February , the Reserve Bank announced it would reduce interest rates , a welcome first-step for families across North-West Sydney who are among the highest rates of household mortgage holders in Australia .
One interest rate cut will not fix the cost-of-living pressures felt by local residents , however , the worst of the inflation challenges are now behind us .
When the Coalition left office , inflation was higher and rising . Under Labor , inflation is almost a third of what it was , and falling .
1.1 million new jobs have been created since May 2022 – the lowest average unemployment rate for any government in half a century .
Critically , real wages are increasing after a decade of being supressed . This is affirmation of an economy that is improving .
Indeed , helping Australians find work and delivering higher wages is one of the best supports for households under pressure .
I know progress in national numbers doesn ’ t translate into lived experience , that ’ s why I am intent on ensuring our plan for the future improves quality of life , liveability , and is focused on people .
As the Treasurer , Jim Chalmers , has said : there ’ s much more to do .
This includes areas of housing affordability , bulkbilling , and ensuring supermarkets treat customers fairly on grocery pricing .
The reality is the biggest risk to household budgets and the economy is Peter Dutton .
A household with two average fulltime workers would have been around $ 7,200 worse off under Mr Dutton , based on his opposition to wage increases , tax cuts and energy bill relief alone .
The Coalition has also opposed energy relief and say they will end free TAFE .
Mr Dutton would risk the economy by spending $ 600 billion of taxpayers ’ money on nuclear reactors , without explaining what cuts the Coalition would make to pay for this .
This would have the effect of not only increasing energy prices , but reducing essential services , leaving the North-West worse off .
In contrast , Labor is focused on building the future with positive policies that invest in infrastructure and expand health services , rather than policies that cut .
By working together , and with the right policies , we can build a better future for all .
Apply now for the Premier ’ s Anzac Memorial Scholarship
Local students with a passion for history are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Premier ’ s Anzac Memorial Scholarship , with applications now open .
This incredible opportunity allows Year 10 and 11 history students to embark on a fully funded study tour to South Korea and Singapore , where they will explore sites of great historical significance , including the Demilitarised Zone , Kranji War Memorial , and Changi Prison Chapel . The scholarship offers a unique chance to learn from a military historian , visit key locations , and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women . It is an unforgettable experience that will enrich their studies and broaden their perspectives .
This is an incredible opportunity for any budding young historian in the Hills , and all eligible students are encouraged to apply . Applications close Sunday , 9 March 2025 .
Scan the QR Code for more details , or visit www . veterans . nsw . gov . au / education / premiers-anzac-memorialscholarship .
20 ISSUE 48 // MARCH 2025 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT