By Callum Ludwig
The cost of living is the topic on the tip of everyone’s tongue at the moment as rising consumer prices, interest rates and homelessness affect people near and far.
Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi is keen to hear how it is affecting residents in his electorate and is inviting all who can to come along to a forum to discuss cost of living concerns in the Wandin North Public Hall on Thursday 13 July from 6pm to 7pm.
Mr Violi said it is the biggest issue and challenge that everyone in the electorate is facing.
“Whether it’s individuals, families, community groups or businesses, particularly small businesses, it’s really important,” he said.
“I’m a passionate believer that my role in Canberra is to be the community’s voice and the only way to be the community’s voice is to be out there listening and understanding firsthand the challenges they’re going through.”
Liberal Senator and Shadow Minister for Finance Jane Hume will be attending the forum. Ms Hume is the Chair of the Australian Parliament’s Select Committee on the Cost of Living established in late September 2022.
Mr Violi said the committee will be bringing forward strong recommendations to the Government.
“It will be based on what they are hearing, not just from communities, but from businesses, the energy sector and lots of experts on what they can bring to the table, the main for us is just to hear and listen to the challenges people are facing,” he said.
“We also want to hear some of the ideas they have on how we might be able to constructively engage with the government to provide some solutions to the challenges we face, as well as provide some material for people on services that are available, like free financial counselling.”
The Select Committee on the Cost of Living released their interim report on May 3 2023, making 11 findings from 70 accepted submissions and five public hearings including one in Box Hill on 1 March.
Mr Violi said he expects rising consumer prices, interest rate rises and increasing homelessness to be three issues mentioned a lot at the forum.
“One of the challenges we have in the electorate which is also one of our greatest strengths is that we are a part of the green wedge and it’s so important that we keep and protect the green wedge, but what it does mean is that we are limited in how and where we can build new houses,” he said.
“We are thinking about interest rate rises, but also homelessness even among people with well-paid and secure jobs which is a new phenomenon we are seeing and I know is a big issue in our community,”
“Obviously there’s also the cost of groceries, energy bills and fuel which is mitigated but particularly for us, our public transport isn’t quite as good as it could be, a lot of people need to drive to work and to community events, so it is always a big issue for our community as well.”
Mr Violi also recently marked his first year in Parliament following his succession of long-time Casey MP Tony Smith at last year’s election.
Mr Violi said it has come up quick and been a busy 12 months, but he’s enjoyed it.
“I’ve really enjoyed the role, and as a third-generation local that spent my life here, there’s no greater honour than being the representative in the Federal Parliament of my family’s community, so I take that responsibility very seriously,” he said.
“It’s been rewarding to be able to advocate and represent the community and provide grants to community organisations. Talking to people about the money I’ve been able to provide and the difference it makes to the community has been a real highlight.”
Anyone who wishes to attend the forum can register their attendance here: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1074604.
Mr Violi encourages anyone who cannot attend but wishes to share their thoughts to contact him at www.aaronvioli.com.au/contact/. Wandin North was chose for the forum as it is the geographical centre of the Casey electorate, but further forums are anticipated.
