Gladstone cost of living too high: Labor

LABOR candidate for Flynn Zac Beers is already campaigning for the looming Federal election.

Dan Crane, Tash Truscott and Lachlan Crane said health cover and child care are big expenses.

LABOR candidate for Flynn Zac Beers is already campaigning for the looming Federal election.

Shadow assistant treasury minister Andrew Leigh and senator for Queensland Jan McLucas visited Gladstone yesterday to help promote their party's candidate.

Mr Leigh targeted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's "effects test" for businesses as a move which would increase living expenses.

He said it would stop the major grocery chains from charging the same prices for dry goods in regional areas as they do in urban centres.

He said this was down to the effects of transport costs.

He admitted it would make smaller business in regional areas more competitive but people were already struggling with the costs of living.

Mr Beers said Labor party's extra $4.5 billion commitment to health was needed in regional areas, a key issue for Gladstone family Dan Crane, Tash Truscott and Lachlan Crane.

Tash said her family does require health services and with the mortgage, utilities, increasing health care and child care costs it is all becoming increasing difficult for young families.

Originally published as Gladstone cost of living too high: Labor