Today host Karl Stefanovic loses it at Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles over cost of living,
source : www.news.com.au
Karl Stefanovic has taken aim at acting Prime Minister Richard Marles over his government’s response to rising cost-of-living pressures in Australia. He has puffed up about his use of repeated “lines” and has questioned a possible fuel tax cut.
The dig came after the RBA hiked cash rates for the thirteenth time this year on Tuesday, predicting inflation would still be 3.5 percent at the end of 2024.
“I know it’s not all your fault, but I think Australians are starting to feel like you’re letting them down because of the cost of living pressure,” the Today host urged Mr Marles.
“Well, of course we understand the pressure,” the deputy prime minister responded.
He argued that the cost of living had been a focus of his government since it came to power, citing the recent tripling of bulk billing incentives and Labour’s investment in childcare and free TAFE.
“But every time you are asked about this, everyone in your government makes the same statements,” Stefanovic interrupted.
“I have a feeling you don’t understand. That you don’t understand the pressures that Australian households are currently under.”
Mr Marles, who has been Prime Minister in Anthony Albanese’s absence, acknowledged the rising cost of living was having a “huge” impact on Australian households and said he was focused on managing the budget to avoid contributing to high inflation.
“Well, us of course understand the pressure,” said Mr Marles, trying to get Stefanovic back into the side.
He reiterated that the government would not introduce a temporary reduction in fuel duty to ease pressure on motorists as it would be too expensive.
Mr Marles acknowledged that the cost of living has a “huge impact”, which is why the government has had to take such measures.
“That is also why we wanted to be sure that in managing the budget we would not contribute to the inflationary environment. “That’s why we did something the Liberals never did, which is run a budget surplus,” he said.
“This is a situation that exists all over the world. It started under the former government. The biggest increase in inflation occurred when the Liberals were in power.”
“Australia is not immune to this. The Liberals were not immune to this. What the government needs to do is take measures to help.”
source : www.news.com.au
