My question is directed to the Treasurer. I know that in a few moments he will be standing up to deliver our ninth state budget, and we are all waiting in eager anticipation to hear more about it. Ahead of that detail, I would like to ask the Treasurer: what measures are in the state budget to alleviate cost-of-living pressures on households in the Northcote electorate? We know that rising interest rates and inflation have put pressure on households, and we know that the cost of living has increased and rents have increased. Many people living in the inner north do not have the benefit of secure employment. Initiatives like the sick pay guarantee, free TAFE, the power saving bonus and our rental reforms have all made a real difference in easing some of that pressure. My community are eager to know in what ways this next Labor budget will assist households in meeting the challenges the economy is placing on people living in the inner north.
