Earlier this month I participated inan Anti-poverty rally in Newcastle's Civic Park.

The Governments cost of living measures are failing those who need them most, with 13.3% of all people in NSW living in poverty according to a newdamning report by the NSW Council of Social Services.



Communities in regional NSW and Sydneys west and south west are experiencing the highest levels of poverty, with single women, people with a disability and indigenous communities finding it hardest to make ends meet. Shamefully, one in six children in NSW live in poverty.



I join with my colleague, Shadow Minister for Cost of Living, Jo Haylen MP, who has said: Its not OK that in NSW in 2019, a persons postcode still determines how well theyre able to get by.



This shocking report raises real questions about how effectively the Governments cost of living measures are being targeted and the extent to which they are helping the most vulnerable.



Household budgets are out of control and people want a guarantee that the Government isnt planning to increase health and other household costs.