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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Australia's Cost-of-Living Crisis Worsens Amid Rising Fuel, Food, and Repair Expenses

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Australians are grappling with a deepening cost-of-living crisis, marked by rising fuel prices, increasing food insecurity, and expensive winter repairs.
  • Foodbank Australia reports that one in three households experienced food insecurity in the past year, with over 60 percent severely affected.
  • Homeowners are delaying essential maintenance and vehicle repairs due to financial pressures, leading to potential long-term risks and increased insurance claims.

Australians are facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, with escalating expenses for fuel, food, and essential winter repairs straining household budgets. Industry groups, charities, and insurers highlight the growing struggle for both families and businesses to manage these rising costs.

It's gotten a lot busier. A lot more people are coming now.

— Ann CooperFounder of the charity Cos We Care, describing the increased demand for food relief services.

Food insecurity has become a critical issue, with Foodbank Australia's 2025 Hunger Report revealing that approximately 3.5 million households, or one in three, experienced food insecurity over the past year. A significant portion of these, over 60 percent, were severely impacted, resorting to skipping meals or going without food for entire days.

Some even come at one o'clock in the morning just to be first in the line.

— Ann CooperFounder of Cos We Care, illustrating the desperation of those seeking assistance.

Charities like Cos We Care in Adelaide's northern suburbs are witnessing a surge in demand for assistance. Founder Ann Cooper noted an increase in people seeking help, with some arriving as early as 1 a.m. to secure a place in line. The organization, which provides free food and essentials, sees new faces weekly alongside long-term recipients, reflecting the persistent economic difficulties.

There are more and more people struggling. We're getting new faces every week.

— Ann CooperFounder of Cos We Care, commenting on the growing number of individuals facing financial hardship.

Beyond food shortages, financial pressures are forcing many homeowners to postpone necessary maintenance and repairs. Allianz Australia's research indicates that over half of Australians neglected winter home preparations, and 68 percent skipped vehicle upkeep. This neglect could lead to greater financial burdens later, as winter-related insurance claims for home and vehicle damage already exceeded A$440 million last year. Storm damage alone accounted for nearly A$60 million in claims, yet few homeowners inspected roofs or cleaned gutters beforehand. Faulty appliances and increased theft during longer winter nights also contributed to costly incidents.

Many Australians head into winter without taking the steps that can make a real difference to their safety and peace of mind.

— Shez FordAllianz chief general manager of consumer, warning about the risks of neglecting home maintenance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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