New research reveals that many Australians are being forced to make impossible choices when purchasing everyday home essentials due to the cost-of-living crisis worsening.
The research, conducted by charity Good360 Australia, finds that more than a third of surveyed Australians (34%) say the cost-of-living crisis feels worse for them and their family than it did at the same time last year. It also highlights concerns about the future, showing that one in three respondents (32%) don’t expect their financial situation to improve over the coming year.
One in five of those surveyed (20%) have recently skipped buying clothing or shoes for themselves or their families because they can’t afford it. The same number (19%) have had to cut back on food or healthcare to afford home essentials or clothing. One in seven respondents (14%) say that the stress of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is negatively impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
Good360 founder and Managing Director Alison Covington AM says action must be taken to help alleviate the burden of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable people and communities.
“Australians are making heartbreaking sacrifices just to keep their households running. This is more than just an economic issue, it’s a crisis affecting people’s quality of life, mental wellbeing and dignity,” she says.
“However, there are smart solutions for alleviating this crisis while also reducing unnecessary waste across the retail economy.”
The research highlights that people are looking to government and retailers to step up. Two in five respondents (39%) want the next Australian government to make cost-of-living relief a top priority, with more than a quarter (27%) agreeing that governments should provide more support to ensure all Australians have access to home essentials. Many believe retailers should do more, with more than a third of those surveyed (34%) wanting businesses to donate unsold goods rather than letting them go to waste.
“Access to basic necessities is crucial for empowering our most vulnerable people, providing them with a sense of security, comfort and hope. This crisis requires a collective response to supporting struggling households,” says Ms Covington.
“We know that billions of dollars’ worth of unsold household essentials are wasted each year. These are goods that can be efficiently redirected to charities and communities across the country to help people in need, now. Whether it’s greater government support for essential non-food aid, or retailers taking a smarter approach to redirecting surplus goods and reducing waste, there’s so much that can and should be done.”