Upcoming State Election will be won on cost-of-living and fairer essential services for all says Consumer Action
A strong plan built on fairness for Victorians to weather day-to-day cost-of-living pressures will decide the upcoming Victorian State Election, says Consumer Action Law Centre CEO, Stephanie Tonkin.
“Cost‑of‑living pressures are hitting Victorian households so hard, and every day we hear from people struggling with debt as the price of housing, food, energy and other essentials keeps rising,” Ms Tonkin said.
“These are the core bread and butter issues that will decide the upcoming State Election in November, and the drivers of widespread anxiety on our Victorian frontline services” she said.
At the same time, egregious trader misconduct and scams are robbing consumers of their hard-earned money – money they can’t afford and shouldn’t lose.
Speaking at the launch of the organisation’s consumer-centric priorities for the November Election, Ms Tonkin said whoever forms the next Government’s has “to make life better” especially for people in difficult circumstances.
“We hear on our frontlines of families skipping meals, delaying medical care, or turning off heating and cooling to save on their growing power bills. The next Government can and should do more,” she said.
Ms Tonkin presented a list of concrete proposals to help Victorians in the cost-of-living crisis.
“The next Government, with the Essential Services Commission, should implement meaningful measures to shift the dial on Victorians’ energy poverty as assistance provided under the Utility Relief Grant Scheme is no longer adequate and not available to many who are doing it tough.
“I’m calling for the grant to be increased to $4000 to reflect the rising cost of energy and eligibility rules relaxed to ensure more Victorians benefit,” she said.
“Victoria can also lead on scams – a Victorian strategy and pathways to support for victims will support better consumer outcomes and disruption efforts.
“Victorians are looking to Spring Street for leadership and practical consumer-centric solutions, whoever wins this November. Increasing funding for community legal centres and financial counselling to give practical support to people who need help with spiralling debt and enforcing their rights, to help us meet more of the rising demand, is a start.
“We need to invest in what matters most and protect the Victorians most vulnerable to exploitative businesses, scammers and soaring costs of living,” she said.
Read our Election Priorities 2026.
Media contact: Mark Pearce mark@consumeraction.org.au Tel: 0413 299 567
FINAL Consumer Action Law Centre Vic State Election Priorities 2026 FINAL (1)
