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Cost of living

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Western Australia Premier Roger Cook says people should expect some ‘rough and tumble’ in an election campaign.

If WA voters’ hip-pockets are empty, why is Labor making them wait until next year for relief?

Roger Cook says, “we know people are hurting”, so surely he also knows they don’t need cost-of-living support in 2026 – they need it now.

  • Connor McGoverne

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Bulk billing

GPs believe this one change to bulk-billing could save Australians $42 a visit

Analysis suggests that extending bulk-billing incentives to under-35s would save young people $42 a visit in average doctor’s fees, while preventing 9000 hospitalisations.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos
Joyce Hon and Grant Kwan at their registry wedding in 2024 at Pyrmont.

A party or a house deposit? Why registry weddings are on the rise

More couples are saying ‘I do’ to getting hitched in wedding registries, costing barely a fraction of a traditional wedding.

  • Kayla Olaya
Since 2023, working households have faced cost pressures higher than indicated by the CPI.

Who’s feeling inflation the most? A glimmer of hope for hardest-hit Australians

Working households are still feeling the brunt of inflation, but face the lowest price pressures since 2020.

  • Millie Muroi
The Australian economy is facing a number of headwinds.

If you get the sense inflation is a little off, you’re probably right

The consumer price index isn’t an accurate measure of our cost of living – although we all assume it is.

  • Millie Muroi
One Up Building co-owner Nick Simmons says labour shortages are starting to ease.

Here’s what you need to know from the latest inflation figures

It’s good news for vegetarians and those looking to build a new home, but bad news for those who love an omelette.

  • Millie Muroi, Shane Wright and Cassandra Morgan
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

It’s the number everyone is waiting for, including the PM

Key inflation figures are expected to show price pressures at their lowest level in three years, paving the way for a pre-election interest rate cut.

  • Shane Wright
Inflation for the December quarter was at its lowest level for three years.

Rate cut on the cards, opening door to April election date

Australia’s inflation rate has fallen to its lowest level in more than three years, paving the way for the Reserve Bank to deliver an interest rate cut in February.

  • Shane Wright and Millie Muroi

This could be the year voters get their priorities wrong

A protest vote on the cost of living will achieve little. The best election outcome would be a minority government dependent on the support of those who get the urgency of climate action.

  • Ross Gittins
Household spending on pool sales and services increased in the past year as Australians are keen to swim over hot summers.

Budget ways to install a pool to cool down this summer

Pool sales and services increased in the past year as households are keen to swim in their backyards. But there are ways to keep costs down in this economy.

  • Caroline Zielinski

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/cost-of-living-jfq