Sash, I totally agree with you that it's the cost of living that's the real killer of consumer confidence, real estate investing, retail spending etc.
Everybody's watching their pennies, wondering where in their hip pocket they'll be hit next!
I know of a 93 year old lady who's been hit by a $1200 gas and electricity bill now and no pensioner discount either. (She was persuaded to change over by a salesman that came to her door).
I know of people who'd rather wear six jumpers than turn on the heat. They just can't afford it.
I too have been wondering why isn't there a watchdog to protest and curb these price increases like gas, electricity, food, petrol etc.
Just the essential necessities of life
Everyone in Australia seems to be taking it sitting down and meekly paying whatever the organisations/bills demand.
In other countries, people would have demonstrated violently to their govt or organised a movement not to pay these greedy *******s en masse
Nobody is making any noise about it, not a peep, not our politicians, not our media, not even a Facebook movement
WHY??????