The war in Iran is hitting home for Tasmanians, with price rises already putting pressure on people – and community service organisations are on the frontline. The Liberals’ need to get their priorities straight and fund these organisations so they can meet the increasing need.
The conflict in the Middle East is already jacking up the price of fuel. As the war continues, price increases are unlikely to end there. The high fuel costs in the production and transport of food could see grocery prices rise too.
Tasmanians are already struggling with the cost of living, as the price of necessities like rent, bills and groceries remain high. Any further price rises are only going to make things worse.
Community service organisations provide vital support to Tasmanians doing it tough. Demand for their support was already high, and it will continue to grow as Tasmanians face fresh price rises.
I’m hearing from people who are very worried about the increased cost of fuel and the flow on effects of that to food prices – they don’t know how they will cope. At my office we’ve also seen a sharp increase in the number of people visiting our community pantry.
The Liberal Government have already been failing to meet the funding needs of community service organisations and the struggling Tasmanians they support. At a time when increasing support to Tasmanians is needed, community service organisations have had to reduce or cut services entirely.
While Tasmania’s budget is in a bad state, it shouldn’t mean we can’t support Tasmanians most in need. It all comes down to priorities, and the Liberals spending priorities are out of touch with the needs of everyday Tasmanians.
As prices continue to rise, the Liberal Government needs to get their priorities straight and fund community service organisations who are helping Tasmanians doing it tough.
