Australia’s cost of living ‘getting crazier’ as nearly half of lower-income families worry about affording school shoes

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Caitlin CassidyJanuary 7, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A recent study reveals that nine in ten Australian families are concerned about the rising costs of back-to-school necessities due to ongoing inflation. Nearly half of lower-income families are specifically worried about affording school shoes. The increased cost of living is forcing some parents, like single mother Laura, to make difficult choices between essential needs such as food and electricity. These financial struggles have become more frequent for many families since the start of the pandemic. The research highlights the growing financial strain on Australian families as they grapple with increasing prices for essential goods and services.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Laura 60% Australia 90%

Keywords

cost of living 90% inflation 80% lower-income families 80% school shoes 70% back-to-school essentials 70% budgeting 60% single mother 50% food insecurity 40% electricity bill 40%