With news reports of children going to school hungry and struggling families unable to keep up with mortgage payments, Australians are getting increasingly worried about the escalating costs of living.

Sunrise co-host Nat Barr voiced these concerns in an impassioned interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the cost-of-living crisis.

Barr posed two tough questions to Albanese, first referring to the school theft dilemma.

'We know inflation is coming down, but it's not coming down fast enough', she told Albanese.

'We hear this morning, Prime Minister, that students are pretending to go to the toilet at school, rummaging through other kids' bags to steal their lunches. That's coinciding with the interest rate rises. This is under your watch. How do you feel about that?'

Anthony Albanese was asked tough questions on the morning show following alarming reports that children were going to school hungry as families struggled to pay their mortgages. Credit: Facebook/Anthony Albanese.

Barr's comment regarding the theft of food in schools is based on a report from a primary school in NSW. According to the report, some students were resorting to stealing their classmates' lunches because their parents or guardians faced financial difficulties and couldn't afford to provide them with meals.

The prime minister empathised with the challenges faced by Australian families, stating that he understood firsthand what it meant to endure tough times.

'My government will work each and every day to make a difference. We have had global inflation, [which] has had a real impact here as it has around the world,' he said.

Albanese also highlighted the relatively lower interest rates in Australia when compared to the United States and Europe. He further discussed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the energy rebate, aimed at reducing expenses for households.

Continuing, Barr emphasised the hardships faced by Aussies with mortgages, describing them as being 'smashed' and struggling to keep up with the ongoing increase in interest rates.

'What else can you do for the people who are still spending because it seems the people with the mortgages are just the ones being hit all the time. What's your message to the Reserve Bank?' she asked Albanese.

The prime minister responded: 'Well, you are right, Nat. Some people are doing okay, while others are doing it really tough. And that's why the government has a difficult task to manage.'

'That's why we have to target our spending in a way that doesn't put pressure on inflation, that targets that relief plan that we have,' he said.

'That's why we were conscious about the surplus, we put additional money into public housing.' Albanese conceded it was a 'difficult' situation to address.

The recent reports of school theft shed light on a larger problem related to the rising costs of living. According to Brianna Casey, the Chief Executive of Foodbank, this trend indicates that an increasing number of people are relying on food relief on a regular basis.

'We're hearing reports from schools of children stealing lunch from other children's lunch boxes. The consequences are really alarming from a health perspective and for educational outcomes—we can't expect children to concentrate in class and behave well when they are so hungry they've tipped into “hangry” before the day has started,' Casey said.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Foodbank has called upon the Reserve Bank to take immediate action by refraining from raising interest rates.

Key Takeaways

• Sunrise host Natalie Barr questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the cost-of-living crisis amid reports of children going to school hungry because families struggle to pay their mortgages.
• Barr shared stories of students scavenging for food in other kids' lunchboxes due to their families financial constraints, asking what the government intends to do about the crisis.
• The interview provoked a response from the Prime Minister, who cited measures like the energy rebate to help reduce household costs and affirmed the government's commitment to alleviating the situation.
• The matter of children not having food at school is supported by reports from the charity group Foodbank, revealing an upsurge in schools signing up with them to provide food for students.

We are well aware of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of living and price hikes. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us. So, members, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Were you satisfied with Prime Minister Albanese's response? We await your opinions and encourage you to share them in the comments section below!

 

[wjs1957]

At least he understands and is not like the silver-spooned leaders we’ve had in the past. The world is going through a huge financial crisis at the moment, not just Australia. I’ve just returned from Europe and seen it first hand. Real estate prices are so much higher than here—€3m for an apartment, food and fuel is double what we pay here and wages are way below what we earn. Australians have to get a better understanding of what the government has to contend with. The $600 rebate will certainly help.

$600 will not cover extra mortgage, rent, food, power bills et cetera my dear. Not even close!! Do the math!!

 

[maggiej]

I am sick to death of Australia's collective mentality that the government is somehow responsible for the financial difficulties people are facing.

Wake up. For decades Australians have wanted everything NOW, and for NOTHING. Their sense of entitlement is mind-boggling. So while interest rates were low to non-existent, they went and bought themselves houses they couldn't afford - houses that cost an arm and a leg for not just themself, but their offspring; and now when interest rates go up - as they MUST, because that's the reality of economics, people - they can't afford their mortgage, and suddenly it's everyone's fault but their own!

They want the big house, and the very best of everything that can possibly go in it; and they want the big shiny new cars - one for each spouse; and they want excellent education for their kids - with school fees, uniforms and books paid for by the government if you don't mind; and they want to work as little as possible for the highest possible income, pay as little tax as they can get away with; and have a leisure life full of getaways and adventure activities or shopping adventures with credit cards I swear they think are bottomless and free.

Today's young adults have so many benefits, and so many government handouts, that their parents and grandparents never got, and still they aren't satisfied. They want more. They haven't yet 'invested' in Australia or made significant contributions to the public purse through a lifetime of paying income tax, but they want the monies paid in by those who went before them, while those same older folk have to go without so the younger generation can have what they want!

Hell, I'd go so far as to say people today really expect the government to give them everything for free! They certainly do not bear any of the blame for creating today's cost of living with their endless demands for higher wages, shorter working hours, more and more investment properties because we have that nasty thing called negative gearing; better homes; latest technology; the latest fashion; the best car.

What happened to the days when we worked and saved for what we wanted? When did this country become a land of spoiled children who've been raised to expect that their every need or want will be fulfilled by others and they don't have to lift a finger to earn or deserve it, or even have to wear the consequences of their own greed?

I agree with all you say.

 

[CplMedic76]

Good on Nat for raising these questions.

What made me mad was hearing yesterday that the Politician's received a secret pay rise !!! Really when so many are struggling they get a pay rise on top of their already high pay

Maybe all Politician's should be made live on a normal wage for ...let's say one month and see how they cope

I am in full agreement with the above response. Why is it necessary for politicians to be paid upwards of $200,000.00 per year ( which in my mind is an extremely healthy wage) while desperate Joe has to make do with at best $ 75,000.00 per year. Fix up the economy before voting for exorbitant wage increases for themselves. While on the level of govt payments, I feel that in the case of a lot of persons on the “dole” should be out on the streets for 3 days per week clearing city/town gardens of rubbish and weeds. This would create a nicer atmosphere for all, and give back to the community monies earned for doing nothing.

 

[Trudi]

Simply amazes me that he continues to tell us how much he is doing to alleviate the cost of living crisis ( bugger all ) - and yet he is obsessed with spending $450 million on the "Voice" referendum ( and that is just the cost to the Australian taxpayers for the Electoral commission to run it - not to mention the incredible amount they must be spending on trying to brainwash us under the guise of " information ") . They were NOT elected to spend OUR money recklessly to bolster their egos & personal agendas. Real Australians are hurting & the govt stands by & makes a few token gestures.

All new pollies should have to live on New Start for at least a year with no bonuses like rent assistance or meal allowances to really see how their voters get on or not. It would be good if pollies were trained for their specific jobs instead of just being "jobs for the boys".

His mother was a single mother on benefits living in public housing. I would say he has a good understanding of what poverty feels like!

As to the cost of living crisis, this is an INTERNATIONAL CRISIS which had been boiling from the start of the Pandemic and camee to a head as soon as he took office! If you want to blame any person, point your finger at the idiot Trump who ran the US economy into the ground during his time in office.

 

[Rusty-anne]

With news reports of children going to school hungry and struggling families unable to keep up with mortgage payments, Australians are getting increasingly worried about the escalating costs of living.

Sunrise co-host Nat Barr voiced these concerns in an impassioned interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the cost-of-living crisis.

Barr posed two tough questions to Albanese, first referring to the school theft dilemma.

'We know inflation is coming down, but it's not coming down fast enough', she told Albanese.

'We hear this morning, Prime Minister, that students are pretending to go to the toilet at school, rummaging through other kids' bags to steal their lunches. That's coinciding with the interest rate rises. This is under your watch. How do you feel about that?'

View attachment 24475

Anthony Albanese was asked tough questions on the morning show following alarming reports that children were going to school hungry as families struggled to pay their mortgages. Credit: Facebook/Anthony Albanese.

Barr's comment regarding the theft of food in schools is based on a report from a primary school in NSW. According to the report, some students were resorting to stealing their classmates' lunches because their parents or guardians faced financial difficulties and couldn't afford to provide them with meals.

The prime minister empathised with the challenges faced by Australian families, stating that he understood firsthand what it meant to endure tough times.

'My government will work each and every day to make a difference. We have had global inflation, [which] has had a real impact here as it has around the world,' he said.

Albanese also highlighted the relatively lower interest rates in Australia when compared to the United States and Europe. He further discussed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the energy rebate, aimed at reducing expenses for households.

Continuing, Barr emphasised the hardships faced by Aussies with mortgages, describing them as being 'smashed' and struggling to keep up with the ongoing increase in interest rates.

'What else can you do for the people who are still spending because it seems the people with the mortgages are just the ones being hit all the time. What's your message to the Reserve Bank?' she asked Albanese.

The prime minister responded: 'Well, you are right, Nat. Some people are doing okay, while others are doing it really tough. And that's why the government has a difficult task to manage.'

'That's why we have to target our spending in a way that doesn't put pressure on inflation, that targets that relief plan that we have,' he said.

'That's why we were conscious about the surplus, we put additional money into public housing.' Albanese conceded it was a 'difficult' situation to address.

The recent reports of school theft shed light on a larger problem related to the rising costs of living. According to Brianna Casey, the Chief Executive of Foodbank, this trend indicates that an increasing number of people are relying on food relief on a regular basis.

'We're hearing reports from schools of children stealing lunch from other children's lunch boxes. The consequences are really alarming from a health perspective and for educational outcomes—we can't expect children to concentrate in class and behave well when they are so hungry they've tipped into “hangry” before the day has started,' Casey said.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Foodbank has called upon the Reserve Bank to take immediate action by refraining from raising interest rates.

Key Takeaways

• Sunrise host Natalie Barr questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the cost-of-living crisis amid reports of children going to school hungry because families struggle to pay their mortgages.
• Barr shared stories of students scavenging for food in other kids' lunchboxes due to their families financial constraints, asking what the government intends to do about the crisis.
• The interview provoked a response from the Prime Minister, who cited measures like the energy rebate to help reduce household costs and affirmed the government's commitment to alleviating the situation.
• The matter of children not having food at school is supported by reports from the charity group Foodbank, revealing an upsurge in schools signing up with them to provide food for students.

We are well aware of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of living and price hikes. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us. So, members, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Were you satisfied with Prime Minister Albanese's response? We await your opinions and encourage you to share them in the comments section below!

 

[Roseleon]

Instead of attacking the Prime Minister use your influence to assist him
We all very fortunate that a labour government was democratically eclected
Let them do the job
You. Are a TV Presenter NEVER forget that

Assistance is there for everyone
USE your skills to help create an EQUAL society

How much do to get PAID

L

 

[Pink lion]

I am sick to death of Australia's collective mentality that the government is somehow responsible for the financial difficulties people are facing.

Wake up. For decades Australians have wanted everything NOW, and for NOTHING. Their sense of entitlement is mind-boggling. So while interest rates were low to non-existent, they went and bought themselves houses they couldn't afford - houses that cost an arm and a leg for not just themself, but their offspring; and now when interest rates go up - as they MUST, because that's the reality of economics, people - they can't afford their mortgage, and suddenly it's everyone's fault but their own!

They want the big house, and the very best of everything that can possibly go in it; and they want the big shiny new cars - one for each spouse; and they want excellent education for their kids - with school fees, uniforms and books paid for by the government if you don't mind; and they want to work as little as possible for the highest possible income, pay as little tax as they can get away with; and have a leisure life full of getaways and adventure activities or shopping adventures with credit cards I swear they think are bottomless and free.

Today's young adults have so many benefits, and so many government handouts, that their parents and grandparents never got, and still they aren't satisfied. They want more. They haven't yet 'invested' in Australia or made significant contributions to the public purse through a lifetime of paying income tax, but they want the monies paid in by those who went before them, while those same older folk have to go without so the younger generation can have what they want!

Hell, I'd go so far as to say people today really expect the government to give them everything for free! They certainly do not bear any of the blame for creating today's cost of living with their endless demands for higher wages, shorter working hours, more and more investment properties because we have that nasty thing called negative gearing; better homes; latest technology; the latest fashion; the best car.

What happened to the days when we worked and saved for what we wanted? When did this country become a land of spoiled children who've been raised to expect that their every need or want will be fulfilled by others and they don't have to lift a finger to earn or deserve it, or even have to wear the consequences of their own greed?

Here's why people complain,
Government revenue for 2023
Source MSN: 3/7/2023

Resources and Energy Quarterly shows LNG exports were revised upwards to a record $92 billion over the past financial year, as part of a $460 billion return for the overall resources sector.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association said the industry employed thousands of workers and provided $16b in government revenue during the last financial year.
"The industry's $400 billion investment in LNG projects over the past 15 years underpins the nation's domestic energy security and delivers substantial economic benefits to Australia," chief executive Samantha McCulloch said on Monday.
This included $45 billion of industry expenditure on local goods and services.

 

[g-d]

With news reports of children going to school hungry and struggling families unable to keep up with mortgage payments, Australians are getting increasingly worried about the escalating costs of living.

Sunrise co-host Nat Barr voiced these concerns in an impassioned interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the cost-of-living crisis.

Barr posed two tough questions to Albanese, first referring to the school theft dilemma.

'We know inflation is coming down, but it's not coming down fast enough', she told Albanese.

'We hear this morning, Prime Minister, that students are pretending to go to the toilet at school, rummaging through other kids' bags to steal their lunches. That's coinciding with the interest rate rises. This is under your watch. How do you feel about that?'

View attachment 24475

Anthony Albanese was asked tough questions on the morning show following alarming reports that children were going to school hungry as families struggled to pay their mortgages. Credit: Facebook/Anthony Albanese.

Barr's comment regarding the theft of food in schools is based on a report from a primary school in NSW. According to the report, some students were resorting to stealing their classmates' lunches because their parents or guardians faced financial difficulties and couldn't afford to provide them with meals.

The prime minister empathised with the challenges faced by Australian families, stating that he understood firsthand what it meant to endure tough times.

'My government will work each and every day to make a difference. We have had global inflation, [which] has had a real impact here as it has around the world,' he said.

Albanese also highlighted the relatively lower interest rates in Australia when compared to the United States and Europe. He further discussed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the energy rebate, aimed at reducing expenses for households.

Continuing, Barr emphasised the hardships faced by Aussies with mortgages, describing them as being 'smashed' and struggling to keep up with the ongoing increase in interest rates.

'What else can you do for the people who are still spending because it seems the people with the mortgages are just the ones being hit all the time. What's your message to the Reserve Bank?' she asked Albanese.

The prime minister responded: 'Well, you are right, Nat. Some people are doing okay, while others are doing it really tough. And that's why the government has a difficult task to manage.'

'That's why we have to target our spending in a way that doesn't put pressure on inflation, that targets that relief plan that we have,' he said.

'That's why we were conscious about the surplus, we put additional money into public housing.' Albanese conceded it was a 'difficult' situation to address.

The recent reports of school theft shed light on a larger problem related to the rising costs of living. According to Brianna Casey, the Chief Executive of Foodbank, this trend indicates that an increasing number of people are relying on food relief on a regular basis.

'We're hearing reports from schools of children stealing lunch from other children's lunch boxes. The consequences are really alarming from a health perspective and for educational outcomes—we can't expect children to concentrate in class and behave well when they are so hungry they've tipped into “hangry” before the day has started,' Casey said.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Foodbank has called upon the Reserve Bank to take immediate action by refraining from raising interest rates.

Key Takeaways

• Sunrise host Natalie Barr questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the cost-of-living crisis amid reports of children going to school hungry because families struggle to pay their mortgages.
• Barr shared stories of students scavenging for food in other kids' lunchboxes due to their families financial constraints, asking what the government intends to do about the crisis.
• The interview provoked a response from the Prime Minister, who cited measures like the energy rebate to help reduce household costs and affirmed the government's commitment to alleviating the situation.
• The matter of children not having food at school is supported by reports from the charity group Foodbank, revealing an upsurge in schools signing up with them to provide food for students.

We are well aware of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of living and price hikes. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us. So, members, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Were you satisfied with Prime Minister Albanese's response? We await your opinions and encourage you to share them in the comments section below!

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

A pay rise? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

They should rebrand Parliament house COMEDY CENTRAL.

That is hilarious ha ha ha ha Good one Albo.

in this current financial climate and considering all of the miss management that is such a joke, ha ha ha ha ha

This clown is a joke!

 

[Milica]

I am sick to death of Australia's collective mentality that the government is somehow responsible for the financial difficulties people are facing.

Wake up. For decades Australians have wanted everything NOW, and for NOTHING. Their sense of entitlement is mind-boggling. So while interest rates were low to non-existent, they went and bought themselves houses they couldn't afford - houses that cost an arm and a leg for not just themself, but their offspring; and now when interest rates go up - as they MUST, because that's the reality of economics, people - they can't afford their mortgage, and suddenly it's everyone's fault but their own!

They want the big house, and the very best of everything that can possibly go in it; and they want the big shiny new cars - one for each spouse; and they want excellent education for their kids - with school fees, uniforms and books paid for by the government if you don't mind; and they want to work as little as possible for the highest possible income, pay as little tax as they can get away with; and have a leisure life full of getaways and adventure activities or shopping adventures with credit cards I swear they think are bottomless and free.

Today's young adults have so many benefits, and so many government handouts, that their parents and grandparents never got, and still they aren't satisfied. They want more. They haven't yet 'invested' in Australia or made significant contributions to the public purse through a lifetime of paying income tax, but they want the monies paid in by those who went before them, while those same older folk have to go without so the younger generation can have what they want!

Hell, I'd go so far as to say people today really expect the government to give them everything for free! They certainly do not bear any of the blame for creating today's cost of living with their endless demands for higher wages, shorter working hours, more and more investment properties because we have that nasty thing called negative gearing; better homes; latest technology; the latest fashion; the best car.

What happened to the days when we worked and saved for what we wanted? When did this country become a land of spoiled children who've been raised to expect that their every need or want will be fulfilled by others and they don't have to lift a finger to earn or deserve it, or even have to wear the consequences of their own greed?

"australia"s collective mentality" - i love australia, & by the way we are Awake! the gov't is part responsible for the financial difficulties - they where voted in to use taxpayers (workers) money wisely - not throw it around - because they think by throwing money at something, that will make it work - it does not! So then you end up with the most vulnerable paying the price for unwise choices, taking from one area to pay for the losses in another area. The root causes of issues need to be addressed, discussed, to then consider viable working solutions, where it is not just money that will so-call, fix it! On top of that the Politicians can stop getting more and more pay increases, the so called $3,000 paid to all public servants - that is a joke when the politicians wages are astronomical compared to the layperson that works hard to make ends meet! Our Police who put there lives on the line everyday, don't get paid as much as the politician - that's a disgrace-try not having a police force & see how society copes!
time and time again the taxpayers money has just gone down the drain, trying to fix something-go back to the workers at the grassroots level - they have the understanding of what is needed!
You have some good points, i agree - but when a person is in a position of power, voted in by the people, than that power needs to be used in the right way, with the right intention, with responsibility in choices made for the betterment of society, for All peoples of that Country. It seems some people are more for the Gov't than it's people & whatever the choice may be - we look to the ones we voted into Power to make sound, intelligent, wise, workable decisions.

 

[g-d]

At this point there are alternatives for those to get help if the truth is the children are stealing other children’s lunches because they are starving. An article 2018 the reason for stealing lunches was mum’s were trying to help overweight kids lose weight. The media are dangerous in our time of discontent. It is love of money & popularity why they latch onto a current problem causing division. I ask if they have degrees in economics & years of political experience? Food bank have cost of living planning, diet planning, every help one needs. We all need to be practical, happy grateful in this life.

 

[fourwb]

With news reports of children going to school hungry and struggling families unable to keep up with mortgage payments, Australians are getting increasingly worried about the escalating costs of living.

Sunrise co-host Nat Barr voiced these concerns in an impassioned interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the cost-of-living crisis.

Barr posed two tough questions to Albanese, first referring to the school theft dilemma.

'We know inflation is coming down, but it's not coming down fast enough', she told Albanese.

'We hear this morning, Prime Minister, that students are pretending to go to the toilet at school, rummaging through other kids' bags to steal their lunches. That's coinciding with the interest rate rises. This is under your watch. How do you feel about that?'

View attachment 24475

Anthony Albanese was asked tough questions on the morning show following alarming reports that children were going to school hungry as families struggled to pay their mortgages. Credit: Facebook/Anthony Albanese.

Barr's comment regarding the theft of food in schools is based on a report from a primary school in NSW. According to the report, some students were resorting to stealing their classmates' lunches because their parents or guardians faced financial difficulties and couldn't afford to provide them with meals.

The prime minister empathised with the challenges faced by Australian families, stating that he understood firsthand what it meant to endure tough times.

'My government will work each and every day to make a difference. We have had global inflation, [which] has had a real impact here as it has around the world,' he said.

Albanese also highlighted the relatively lower interest rates in Australia when compared to the United States and Europe. He further discussed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the energy rebate, aimed at reducing expenses for households.

Continuing, Barr emphasised the hardships faced by Aussies with mortgages, describing them as being 'smashed' and struggling to keep up with the ongoing increase in interest rates.

'What else can you do for the people who are still spending because it seems the people with the mortgages are just the ones being hit all the time. What's your message to the Reserve Bank?' she asked Albanese.

The prime minister responded: 'Well, you are right, Nat. Some people are doing okay, while others are doing it really tough. And that's why the government has a difficult task to manage.'

'That's why we have to target our spending in a way that doesn't put pressure on inflation, that targets that relief plan that we have,' he said.

'That's why we were conscious about the surplus, we put additional money into public housing.' Albanese conceded it was a 'difficult' situation to address.

The recent reports of school theft shed light on a larger problem related to the rising costs of living. According to Brianna Casey, the Chief Executive of Foodbank, this trend indicates that an increasing number of people are relying on food relief on a regular basis.

'We're hearing reports from schools of children stealing lunch from other children's lunch boxes. The consequences are really alarming from a health perspective and for educational outcomes—we can't expect children to concentrate in class and behave well when they are so hungry they've tipped into “hangry” before the day has started,' Casey said.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Foodbank has called upon the Reserve Bank to take immediate action by refraining from raising interest rates.

Key Takeaways

• Sunrise host Natalie Barr questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the cost-of-living crisis amid reports of children going to school hungry because families struggle to pay their mortgages.
• Barr shared stories of students scavenging for food in other kids' lunchboxes due to their families financial constraints, asking what the government intends to do about the crisis.
• The interview provoked a response from the Prime Minister, who cited measures like the energy rebate to help reduce household costs and affirmed the government's commitment to alleviating the situation.
• The matter of children not having food at school is supported by reports from the charity group Foodbank, revealing an upsurge in schools signing up with them to provide food for students.

We are well aware of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of living and price hikes. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us. So, members, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Were you satisfied with Prime Minister Albanese's response? We await your opinions and encourage you to share them in the comments section below!

It is no good saying you are aware of increasing cost of living. Something must be done. Before the election he had a lot to say including the lie of a $275 cut in power costs. He is the most disgraceful PM we have ever had. If he had any integrity he would resign along with his inco
mpetent ministers.

 

[g-d]

"australia"s collective mentality" - i love australia, & by the way we are Awake! the gov't is part responsible for the financial difficulties - they where voted in to use taxpayers (workers) money wisely - not throw it around - because they think by throwing money at something, that will make it work - it does not! So then you end up with the most vulnerable paying the price for unwise choices, taking from one area to pay for the losses in another area. The root causes of issues need to be addressed, discussed, to then consider viable working solutions, where it is not just money that will so-call, fix it! On top of that the Politicians can stop getting more and more pay increases, the so called $3,000 paid to all public servants - that is a joke when the politicians wages are astronomical compared to the layperson that works hard to make ends meet! Our Police who put there lives on the line everyday, don't get paid as much as the politician - that's a disgrace-try not having a police force & see how society copes!
time and time again the taxpayers money has just gone down the drain, trying to fix something-go back to the workers at the grassroots level - they have the understanding of what is needed!
You have some good points, i agree - but when a person is in a position of power, voted in by the people, than that power needs to be used in the right way, with the right intention, with responsibility in choices made for the betterment of society, for All peoples of that Country. It seems some people are more for the Gov't than it's people & whatever the choice may be - we look to the ones we voted into Power to make sound, intelligent, wise, workable decisions.

we were battlers & know how to substitute. Your heart is where your treasure lies.

 

[Gsr]

I am sick to death of Australia's collective mentality that the government is somehow responsible for the financial difficulties people are facing.

Wake up. For decades Australians have wanted everything NOW, and for NOTHING. Their sense of entitlement is mind-boggling. So while interest rates were low to non-existent, they went and bought themselves houses they couldn't afford - houses that cost an arm and a leg for not just themself, but their offspring; and now when interest rates go up - as they MUST, because that's the reality of economics, people - they can't afford their mortgage, and suddenly it's everyone's fault but their own!

They want the big house, and the very best of everything that can possibly go in it; and they want the big shiny new cars - one for each spouse; and they want excellent education for their kids - with school fees, uniforms and books paid for by the government if you don't mind; and they want to work as little as possible for the highest possible income, pay as little tax as they can get away with; and have a leisure life full of getaways and adventure activities or shopping adventures with credit cards I swear they think are bottomless and free.

Today's young adults have so many benefits, and so many government handouts, that their parents and grandparents never got, and still they aren't satisfied. They want more. They haven't yet 'invested' in Australia or made significant contributions to the public purse through a lifetime of paying income tax, but they want the monies paid in by those who went before them, while those same older folk have to go without so the younger generation can have what they want!

Hell, I'd go so far as to say people today really expect the government to give them everything for free! They certainly do not bear any of the blame for creating today's cost of living with their endless demands for higher wages, shorter working hours, more and more investment properties because we have that nasty thing called negative gearing; better homes; latest technology; the latest fashion; the best car.

What happened to the days when we worked and saved for what we wanted? When did this country become a land of spoiled children who've been raised to expect that their every need or want will be fulfilled by others and they don't have to lift a finger to earn or deserve it, or even have to wear the consequences of their own greed?

While I agree the younger generation want everything and are not prepared to work and save for it, from what I see it is the families raising children, lower income earners who have scrimped and saved for years to finally get a deposit on a home and the older generations still paying off a home, or renting because they never earnt enough to be able to afford a home who are really doing it tough. I’m sure there could be some government assistance given to low and maybe middle income earners to help with the cost of living crisis. Not like the childcare rebate that benefits people earning over $500,000, the baby bonus that is given to everyone regardless of what they earn, why can’t the government set realistic income cut off points for these sorts of benefits. As for albo prattling on about his childhood in public housing it can’t have been too much of a struggle considering he got to go to university, maybe his family was one of the ones who once they got ensconced in public housing decided to stay there when they really should and could have afforded to rent privately. I doubt very much he even knows what it is like to struggle to buy food. As for the politicians giving themselves a pay rise, how do they justify that when so many people can’t afford the basic necessities to live. In saying that I’m sure I read that the NSW government has decided not to give themselves a pay rise. Maybe they should be in federal parliament.

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

So true , “It wouldn’t be easy under Albanese”. He has been in that situation and living in housing commission, as his mother was very poor.
As he knows that , he should look after the struggling people in stead he‘s traveling the world , probably thinks it may not last longer than the next election and has used all the money of the taxpayers . Hope the people who have voted for him will think twice and never will vote for Labour again. It is a no brainer.

 

[Subduedshilo]

so mr albanese knows that a lot of Aussies are doing it tough!! Well, toughen up and do something about it. For a start, quash this ridiculous VOICE that seems to be more important than putting food on the table and will only benefit the lawyers. Oh, and perhaps we don’t really need that 6% pay rise that was handed to us on a platter. This and all governments need to get their priorities right or get out and give others who actually care about this country a chance to turn it around

 

[Lynjw]

With news reports of children going to school hungry and struggling families unable to keep up with mortgage payments, Australians are getting increasingly worried about the escalating costs of living.

Sunrise co-host Nat Barr voiced these concerns in an impassioned interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the cost-of-living crisis.

Barr posed two tough questions to Albanese, first referring to the school theft dilemma.

'We know inflation is coming down, but it's not coming down fast enough', she told Albanese.

'We hear this morning, Prime Minister, that students are pretending to go to the toilet at school, rummaging through other kids' bags to steal their lunches. That's coinciding with the interest rate rises. This is under your watch. How do you feel about that?'

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Anthony Albanese was asked tough questions on the morning show following alarming reports that children were going to school hungry as families struggled to pay their mortgages. Credit: Facebook/Anthony Albanese.

Barr's comment regarding the theft of food in schools is based on a report from a primary school in NSW. According to the report, some students were resorting to stealing their classmates' lunches because their parents or guardians faced financial difficulties and couldn't afford to provide them with meals.

The prime minister empathised with the challenges faced by Australian families, stating that he understood firsthand what it meant to endure tough times.

'My government will work each and every day to make a difference. We have had global inflation, [which] has had a real impact here as it has around the world,' he said.

Albanese also highlighted the relatively lower interest rates in Australia when compared to the United States and Europe. He further discussed the initiatives undertaken by his government, including the energy rebate, aimed at reducing expenses for households.

Continuing, Barr emphasised the hardships faced by Aussies with mortgages, describing them as being 'smashed' and struggling to keep up with the ongoing increase in interest rates.

'What else can you do for the people who are still spending because it seems the people with the mortgages are just the ones being hit all the time. What's your message to the Reserve Bank?' she asked Albanese.

The prime minister responded: 'Well, you are right, Nat. Some people are doing okay, while others are doing it really tough. And that's why the government has a difficult task to manage.'

'That's why we have to target our spending in a way that doesn't put pressure on inflation, that targets that relief plan that we have,' he said.

'That's why we were conscious about the surplus, we put additional money into public housing.' Albanese conceded it was a 'difficult' situation to address.

The recent reports of school theft shed light on a larger problem related to the rising costs of living. According to Brianna Casey, the Chief Executive of Foodbank, this trend indicates that an increasing number of people are relying on food relief on a regular basis.

'We're hearing reports from schools of children stealing lunch from other children's lunch boxes. The consequences are really alarming from a health perspective and for educational outcomes—we can't expect children to concentrate in class and behave well when they are so hungry they've tipped into “hangry” before the day has started,' Casey said.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Foodbank has called upon the Reserve Bank to take immediate action by refraining from raising interest rates.

Key Takeaways

• Sunrise host Natalie Barr questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the cost-of-living crisis amid reports of children going to school hungry because families struggle to pay their mortgages.
• Barr shared stories of students scavenging for food in other kids' lunchboxes due to their families financial constraints, asking what the government intends to do about the crisis.
• The interview provoked a response from the Prime Minister, who cited measures like the energy rebate to help reduce household costs and affirmed the government's commitment to alleviating the situation.
• The matter of children not having food at school is supported by reports from the charity group Foodbank, revealing an upsurge in schools signing up with them to provide food for students.

We are well aware of the challenges posed by the increasing costs of living and price hikes. It's a topic that hits close to home for many of us. So, members, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Were you satisfied with Prime Minister Albanese's response? We await your opinions and encourage you to share them in the comments section below!

It’s so sad that children have to result to theft in order to eat. It’s pathetic that our cost of living has skyrocketed. Inflation is way higher than increases wages and pensions. It’s all hot air that the govt is trying to stem it. If they really cared we would have already seen change.

 

[margaretritchie48]

I know I am going back over 60 years ago. When I went to school in England we had "school dinners". From memory it cost 1 shilling a day or week, cannot remember which. If you could not afford it, it was free. No child went hungry. Why can we not go back to these days?

 

[Bullwinkle]

They need to get rid of that stupid Natalie Barr! Kids stealing lunches is a political issue? I am sure it has happened before the current crisis as well, the only difference is that it makes a great headline!

I was in primary school 60 years ago, a family less fortunate than mine had a girl in my class, for some reason she would steal my lunch 3 days out of 5. So mum just started sending 2 of everything!! We became school friends, and remain great friends to this day. I love her like a sister

 

[Pink lion]

I was in primary school 60 years ago, a family less fortunate than mine had a girl in my class, for some reason she would steal my lunch 3 days out of 5. So mum just started sending 2 of everything!! We became school friends, and remain great friends to this day. I love her like a sister

What an excellent story. Your Mum sounds like my mum (RIP) There really are excellent humans about that really do care about others.