Some social media posts use humour to criticise the supermarkets' prices.(Instagram: Grassroots Action Network Tasmania).
ABC News, 8 September 2023
Coles announces new series 'Feed your family for under $1,000' https://t.co/2vRDyfgdzj
— The Chaser (@chaser) September 6, 2023
 |
| via @ChrisHeHim1 |
On 30 August 2023 the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its Monthly Consumer Price Index Indicator for July 2023 showing the
monthly CPI indicator rose 4.9% in the twelve months to July, with
the most significant price rises being Housing (+7.3%) and Food and
non-alcoholic beverages (+5.6%) - supposedly offset by a fall in
Automotive fuel (-7.6%). Rent was listed as rising by +7.6% and electricity rose by +15.7%. While the Insurance and financial services category was recorded at +8.5%.
It is getting harder and harder for those on low fixed incomes to afford a range of healthy fresh food, better quality dried/processed food, milk, tea, coffee, juice, condiments or even enough bread for a fortnight. Right now it feels like a visit to Coles or Woolworths costs three times as much for half the number of items.
Prices are misleading at @Coles. $1.70 x 2 = $3.40. Yet Coles’ down-down “specials” show “2 for $4”. How widespread is this mathematical duplicity? @acccgovau is on the case but time for consumers to protest about theft in advertising. @hijessicayun SMH. pic.twitter.com/TqpYEmy1HZ
— Quentin Dempster (@QuentinDempster) September 6, 2023
As for medications - by the time one is standing at the pharmacy checkout prices are becoming prohibitive - over $61 for around 28 days supply of just six of the eight medications required on a daily basis is not unusual.
When it comes to those unexpected out-of-pocket expenses involving GP or medical specialist visits - those expenses often need 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' budgeting - with many GPs even charging an additional fixed fee just to put your behind on the consulting room chair. One of those chairs would bring in around an extra $240-$320 per 8hr day on top of the medical consultation fees accrued for that working day.
Of course the need for new clothing or shoes frequently loses out to all these other living expenses.
It's no wonder second-hand stores & food banks have so many customers these days.
