‘Can’t get a three litre milk or get bread under ten bucks’: Lambie hits out at Shorten over cost-of-living pressures

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has hit out at the government as cost-of-living pressures soar, claiming Aussies can’t purchase essentials for under $10.

Jacqui Lambie has hit out at the Albanese government over cost-of-living pressures, claiming Aussies are struggling to buy milk and bread “under ten bucks”.

The blow up came after an audience member at ABC’s Q+A on Monday night, Megan — a Canberra mother of three — asked NDIS Minister Bill Shorten if the cost of living was affecting household budgets, and if government spending was preventing interest rates from dropping.

Mr Shorten denied government spending was affecting households, replying “I don’t think it is”.

“The net extra government expenditure from the government was $10bn, while that is a lot of money extra, it’s going in Medicare services, going in relief tax cuts,” he said.

“I think on balance, we’re trying to navigate a better situation.”

Ms Lambie was quick to jump in, claiming that giving Australians money towards their bills would not increase inflation.

“Frankly, when it is bread and milk and you can’t get a three litre milk or get bread under ten bucks any more, those people who are doing it tough,” she said.

Jacqui Lambie has slammed the government over cost of living pressures. Picture : ABC

Bill Shorten has denied denied government spending is affecting households. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“To give them a bit more money towards their bills, I do not believe that that is going to push things up. I seriously don’t.”

She added that claims financial assistance to help with purchasing groceries could increase the price of those items is “rubbish”.

“Seriously, I just don’t, there’s too many poor people out there,” she said.

“To give them a little extra money is not the problem.

“I think it’s the big expenditure up there, the millionaires and over.”

Jane Hume claimed interest rates, inflation and high taxes are causing Australians to struggle. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Other panel members included shadow finance minister Senator Jane Hume, economist Joseph Stiglitz, and Australian Financial Review editor-in-chief Michael Stutchberry.

Ms Hume claimed everyday Aussies like Megan were struggling because of interest rates, inflation and high taxes, claiming the government has spent an extra $315m over the last two years.

“That’s why it is taking so long to get inflation under control, but we must because that eats away at savings, and erodes purchasing power and reduces standard of living,” she said.

However Mr Shorten fired back the Liberal Party were “recession makers”, telling Ms Hume to “own it, be proud”, with Ms Hume replying his comments were “nonsense”.