Aussies share a 'big worry hanging on our heads' as cost of living continues to rise
- Replies 65
In the land of plenty, the Australian dream was once promised to be a fair go for all.
However, a hidden financial disaster has been unfolding and leaving multiple generations, including seniors, in dire straits.
The plight of older Australians struggling to find work has been brought into sharp focus thanks to a segment in ABC's QandA.
Charlotte, a woman in her 50s, has been surviving on a meagre amount from Centrelink.
While she receives $500 weekly, she is often left with $50 as the majority of the relief goes to her rent.
'I am finding it very difficult to get employment,' she lamented on-air.
'No one wants to employ me, unfortunately, at my age, and I'm not unusual.'
'It is really difficult to find a job out there if you're a woman over 50,' she continued.
Her story has become a common narrative among mature-aged job seekers.
As Aussies await the latest Federal Budget, millions of Australians are holding their breath for a slice of relief.
Yet, the fiscal plan for 2025-26 may not extend a helping hand to those relying on Centrelink payments.
This decision left many Aussies wondering: where is the support for those who have contributed to society and now find themselves in need?
Many welfare recipients shared their struggles with the cost of living crisis.
Damien, a 62-year-old former hospitality worker, echoed Charlotte's sentiments.
Damien recently found himself sidelined in the job hunt, making it nearly impossible for him to break free from the Centrelink cycle.
These personal accounts have been symptomatic of a more significant issue threatening the financial security and dignity of senior Australians.
The stress of this reality has also been palpable among those who fear for their future.
Vanessa, another QandA audience member, voiced the anxiety.
She shared her struggles as a sole breadwinner and the impossibility of affording a house in Australia's skyrocketing property market.
'What this means is into the future, there's the big worry hanging on our heads,' Vanessa shared.
'Older Australians are at the risk of more rental stress and, at the same time, homelessness.'
To further emphasise the issue, a young man in his 30s also shared the same plight.
'They're not living the Australian dream that their parents might have had,' Mitch shared in QandA.
'My parents had access to free university. A single income could support a family, buy a house and still have savings.'
'Now, 30 per cent of people under the age of 30 still live with their parents. It's almost unlikely that many of them will be able to afford a home or have children,' Mitch added.
'While we may be living in a more developed society, with better technology, healthcare, and things like that, the Australian dream is simply unattainable for many young Australians.'
In light of these discussions, Teal MP Allegra Spender weighed in with her thoughts.
'The numbers are true in reality, and that's what's scary,' MP Spender said.
Watch the full episode of QandA here:
Source: ABC QandA/YouTube
'Over about the ten years going to the late 2010s, the household wealth of households over the age of 65 grew by about 50 per cent.
'The wealth of households under the age of 35 has pretty much flatlined,' MP Spender added.
'I hear time and time again from lots of young people who go, "I made all the right choices. I worked hard. I studied hard. Have a great big HECS debt and really struggling to get ahead, and I don't know if I can have the life of my parents and that's affecting whether I have kids or not."'
This cross-generational money crisis is not just an individual problem; it's a societal issue that calls for urgent attention and action.
As Aussies navigate the complexities of a changing economy and job market, it's crucial to address beliefs and systemic barriers that prevent mature-aged individuals from securing employment and financial stability.
The upcoming Federal Budget could be an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to all Australians, including those who find themselves marginalised.
Are you curious about what's gonna be in the updated Federal Budget?
You may read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges due to their age? How should the government address this growing crisis? Your insights are valuable, and together, we can shine a light on this issue and advocate for change. Please share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
However, a hidden financial disaster has been unfolding and leaving multiple generations, including seniors, in dire straits.
The plight of older Australians struggling to find work has been brought into sharp focus thanks to a segment in ABC's QandA.
Charlotte, a woman in her 50s, has been surviving on a meagre amount from Centrelink.
While she receives $500 weekly, she is often left with $50 as the majority of the relief goes to her rent.
'I am finding it very difficult to get employment,' she lamented on-air.
'No one wants to employ me, unfortunately, at my age, and I'm not unusual.'
Many Aussies like Charlotte and Damien struggle with their daily expenses. Image Credit: Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich
'It is really difficult to find a job out there if you're a woman over 50,' she continued.
Her story has become a common narrative among mature-aged job seekers.
As Aussies await the latest Federal Budget, millions of Australians are holding their breath for a slice of relief.
Yet, the fiscal plan for 2025-26 may not extend a helping hand to those relying on Centrelink payments.
This decision left many Aussies wondering: where is the support for those who have contributed to society and now find themselves in need?
Many welfare recipients shared their struggles with the cost of living crisis.
Damien, a 62-year-old former hospitality worker, echoed Charlotte's sentiments.
Damien recently found himself sidelined in the job hunt, making it nearly impossible for him to break free from the Centrelink cycle.
These personal accounts have been symptomatic of a more significant issue threatening the financial security and dignity of senior Australians.
The stress of this reality has also been palpable among those who fear for their future.
Vanessa, another QandA audience member, voiced the anxiety.
She shared her struggles as a sole breadwinner and the impossibility of affording a house in Australia's skyrocketing property market.
'What this means is into the future, there's the big worry hanging on our heads,' Vanessa shared.
'Older Australians are at the risk of more rental stress and, at the same time, homelessness.'
To further emphasise the issue, a young man in his 30s also shared the same plight.
'They're not living the Australian dream that their parents might have had,' Mitch shared in QandA.
'My parents had access to free university. A single income could support a family, buy a house and still have savings.'
'Now, 30 per cent of people under the age of 30 still live with their parents. It's almost unlikely that many of them will be able to afford a home or have children,' Mitch added.
'While we may be living in a more developed society, with better technology, healthcare, and things like that, the Australian dream is simply unattainable for many young Australians.'
In light of these discussions, Teal MP Allegra Spender weighed in with her thoughts.
'The numbers are true in reality, and that's what's scary,' MP Spender said.
Watch the full episode of QandA here:
Source: ABC QandA/YouTube
'Over about the ten years going to the late 2010s, the household wealth of households over the age of 65 grew by about 50 per cent.
'The wealth of households under the age of 35 has pretty much flatlined,' MP Spender added.
'I hear time and time again from lots of young people who go, "I made all the right choices. I worked hard. I studied hard. Have a great big HECS debt and really struggling to get ahead, and I don't know if I can have the life of my parents and that's affecting whether I have kids or not."'
This cross-generational money crisis is not just an individual problem; it's a societal issue that calls for urgent attention and action.
As Aussies navigate the complexities of a changing economy and job market, it's crucial to address beliefs and systemic barriers that prevent mature-aged individuals from securing employment and financial stability.
The upcoming Federal Budget could be an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to all Australians, including those who find themselves marginalised.
Are you curious about what's gonna be in the updated Federal Budget?
You may read more about it here.
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