Today, South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan dismissed Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia’s call for the Government to provide cost of living relief by freezing State Government fees and charges – suggesting that such a measure would not deliver meaningful relief to families struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
During a morning radio appearance on FIVEaa, Mr Mullighan stated, “Freezing State Government fees and charges doesn’t deliver meaningful relief to South Australians on Government bills.”
This response raises eyebrows, particularly in light of Mr Mullighan’s previous role as Shadow Treasurer in 2020, when he criticised the then State Government for increasing fees.
In an article published by The Advertiser on May 10, 2020, he expressed concerns over rising costs of public transport and vehicle registration, stating that, “The last thing South Australians need right now is higher fees and charges.”
At that time, SA Labor campaigned for a freeze on hikes to fees, charges, and taxes – the hypocrisy!
Treasurer Mullighan appears to have shifted his stance, even as cost of living pressures continue to mount on South Australian households. What’s changed Mr Mullighan?
There are a number of levers that the Government can pull on to ease the pressure on South Australians. These include freezing fees and charges that impact most households such as water bills, motor registration fees and drivers licence fees.
Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia said “Cost of living is the biggest issue facing our state and it is time the Premier showed leadership on this issue. If that means imposing a freeze on State Government fees, he needs to do so.
“The Liberal Party has a plan to reduce cost of living for South Australian households – including reversing Labors water bill hikes, lowering cost for businesses through payroll tax reform and scrapping the GP patient tax grab.”
Shadow Minister for Government Accountability, Ben Hood, slammed the Malinauskas Labor Government, saying, "It’s time they stop pointing fingers and start helping South Australians who are drowning in cost-of-living pressures."
"What the Liberal Opposition wants is simple: less pressure on households already feeling the squeeze. Maybe it’s time Labor stopped blaming everyone else and started doing their actual job."
An example of Labor’s campaign for a freeze on hikes to fees, charges, and taxes in 2020.