NUMBEO, the world’s largest cost of living database has confirmed Canberra has the highest current cost of living in Australia with the ACT also sitting at 21st in the world on the current cost of living index.

Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee said this index comes as no surprise with many Canberrans currently struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Canberrans continue to pay some of the highest rents in the country and are also slugged more than other states and territories when it comes to car registration, sporting registration and we know how much rates and government charges have increased under Andrew Barr,” Ms Lee said.

“Add to this the significant increases in interest rates, groceries, petrol and utilities it is little wonder so many are struggling with cost of living.

“The Canberra Liberals throughout this entire term have raised significant concerns about poverty and cost of living pressures but the Labor-Greens government has continually failed to adequately address those concerns.

“When I am out speaking with members of the community many are raising the current cost of living crisis as their biggest issue, highlighting how little support they are receiving from the local Labor-Greens government.

“Community groups and charity organisations in the ACT have spoken about the increase in Canberrans accessing their services, especially those on incomes.”

Ms Lee said the Labor-Greens government has missed a number of opportunities to show Canberrans they are taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously.

“I recently called out the government for failing to assist more Canberrans when it comes to back-to-school costs for families as just one example of a missed opportunity.

“It is disappointing that at a time when Canberrans are doing it tough the Labor-Greens government continue to waste hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars on dodgy contracts and failed HR systems,” Ms Lee concluded.