Darwin residents reveal their NT cost of living experiences

Rent, groceries, childcare, schooling – Territorians have revealed where the cost of living crisis has hurt them the most.

Territorians Trish Johnson and Jill Palmer said they were most concerned for young people and families. Photo: Harry Brill.

As political parties jostle over cost of living, the NT News took to Smith St to find out how Territorians are faring with their money.

Declan Coffey said his family had been affected “in most areas” by cost of living pressures.

“We recently bought a house, so as well as the groceries we also have our mortgage repayments to look after,” he said.

“Fuel costs more money too, it’s not like a novelty kind of tale – it’s a real thing, it reduces the number of rooms you could buy in your house, or if you could buy a house at all.”

Mr Coffey said he was “absolutely” on a budget.

“It’s a difficult space to navigate for young people, especially because you sort of grow up with a consistent price and then things actually cost more money, and you need to adjust.”

Territorian Declan Coffey revealed he was “absolutely” on a budget. Photo: Harry Brill.

Long-term Territorians and best friends Jill Palmer and Trish Johnson agreed the future looked uncertain for younger generations. 

“(Cost of living) hasn’t really affected me, I think you’d be better talking to young families where they’re sort of on a bit of a budget,” Ms Palmer said.

“The rental market is really scary, and I really worry about young people who want to leave home and just do what’s normal – that is really difficult now.”

Ms Johnson said her thoughts were with the younger generation.

“For young people or young families, it’s really expensive to pay for kids.”

Local pensioner Peter said it wasn’t just young people who suffered from the toll of high prices.

“(The government) increased my pension, sure, but the cost of living went up,” he said.

“If you don’t make enough money you buy noodles, not steak.”

Fred Wong estimated he was $50 poorer per week in the last 12 months due to increased prices.

“Yeah, I’ve had to budget and my rent has gone up,” he said.

“I couldn’t afford the rent on my own, sharing (expenses) with my partner helps.”

Fred Wong said he and his partner’s income combined covered their expenses. Photo: Harry Brill.

Steve Toohey said he noticed a spike in prices, but was confident young people would adapt.

“For me, I’ve noticed (prices) in supermarkets, hardware stores and hotels have risen, but I think (everything) has gone up,” he said.

“Young kids these days are earning pretty good dollars and if their expenses are low I think they’ll still go out and spend it, I don’t think it’ll impact them too much.”

Jade Richter said she had noticed a “significant” cost of living rise.

“(I’ve noticed it) in my bills, yes, but it’s also things like groceries and just general living expenses,” she said.

“I’ve had to watch what I’m buying and also plan out meals properly.”

Ms Richter said she believed there would be adverse consequences for high costs.

“Everyone wants to move out of home, but now everyone’s going to be moving back with parents because they can’t afford rent or people are going to get themselves into massive debt which obviously has its own problems.”

Jade Richter said she had noticed increased cost in her groceries and living expenses. Photo: Harry Brill.

Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Ireland told the NT News that “everyone”, including businesses, was suffering from increased prices.

“If we get more money flowing in the economy we can put the handbrake on interest rates,” he said.

“Everyone is feeling the pressure – businesses are paying too much, cost of logistics and freight has increased – childcare, affordable housing, it’s all gone up.

“Both major parties know it’s a problem, it’s just the outcome they need to deliver.”