with Julian Leeser MP
As I have been talking to people in the community , they continue to express concern about the rising cost of living .
The cost of living crisis has hit Australian families hard over the past few months , and I know there are many in our local community who are really beginning to feel the pressure .
Our power prices are going up ( by 50 per cent ), our gas prices are going up ( by 40 per cent ), interest rates are continuing to go up , unemployment is forecast to go up , and real wages are forecast to go down . Australians are hurting - but in its Budget , Labor has failed to outline a plan to take pressure off interest rates .
They have broken their word about power prices and by Christmas , the average Australian family will be at least
$ 2,000 worse off . Labor ’ s high-taxing and high-spending budget fails Australians at a time when they really need the government to provide tangible support . Adding insult to injury , Labor has proposed expansive new powers for Trade Unions . This will mean : more strikes and fewer jobs ; giving unions unprecedented access to small businesses ; massively increased red tape on small and medium businesses .
I want all Australians to do well , but we are being hampered by a new government without a plan for the economy . Labor supports for more Union power is pay back for the $ 100 million the Unions have donated to Labor over the last 15 years .
Australians deserve better from the Albanese government that promised so much . Unfortunately , in its first economic test , Labor has delivered very little .
The season upon us
The past few years have been tough with the COVID 19 pandemic , severe floods and storm damage to our region . Our communities have been hit hard by six floods in three years and sadly rural and regional NSW is still impacted by devasting floods . I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone working , volunteer support , or carers for those in need during these times of trial .
During this season where families and communities come together , whatever your faith or beliefs are , please continue to pray for the communities in rural and regional Australia who are doing it the toughest this season .
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family
Christmas is a wonderful opportunity for families , friends and neighbours to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and Australia ’ s Christian heritage . Christmas is a time to be grateful for the blessings of peace and prosperity we enjoy as a nation . On behalf of my family , Amelia , Jack , Lachlan , Thomas , and Jonathan , I would like to wish you and your family a happy and holy Christmas , and a safe and prosperous New Year .
Christmas Carols are great for the whole family to enjoy . Below are some of the Christmas events in the Hills district : WEDNESDAY , 7 DECEMBER POP-UP Carols The Salvation Army Norwest Region , Beaumont Hills – from 7:00pm FRIDAY , 16 DECEMBER Community Carols Northmead Anglican Church , 6 Thomas Street , Northmead – 6:30pm SUNDAY , 18 DECEMBER “ Glow ” Christmas Carols The Salvation Army Norwest Region , 6a Edwards Road , Nelson – 4:00pm SATURDAY , 17 DECEMBER Christmas Spectacular Hillsong Church , 1-5 Solent Cct , Baulkham Hills – 4:00pm and 7:00pm SUNDAY , 18 DECEMBER Christmas Spectacular Hillsong Church , 1-5 Solent Cct , Baulkham Hills – 1:00pm , 4:00pm and 7:00pm
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 90 // DECEMBER 2022 21