This term in civics and citizenship, we are learning about democracy. Every Australian citizen has the right to participate and get involved in our democratic society. Our task was to write a letter to our Member of Parliament to address a current issue we care about. This is also known as active citizenship. It is crucial that we have a say in something essential to us. Participating actively is what makes Australia democratic. Our democratic society is inclusive and this task is about us making a difference on the issue of our choice. I decided to write a letter about something I know quite well. Food inflation worries me and needs to be discussed more.

My Letter

21st of May 2022

Mr Ben Morton MP

PO Box 329

Willetton WA, 6155

Dear Mr Morton,

As you would be aware, Australia’s food inflation continues to rise with no plan to slow down. I am writing to ask you to support the low-income earners through this tough circumstance of food inflation.

I am a resident of the electorate, Tangey and attend All Saints’ College. I am in Year 8 and I am vastly concerned and aware of the consequences low-income earners face with the limited income support and increasing cost of living.

Nationally there has been a 20% increase in food inflation since the beginning of COVID-19. This is due to natural disasters such as La Nina and the pandemic. Food inflation risks the chance of obtaining food insecurity, the condition of limited access to essential food. Many citizens face starvation as the prices continue to rise. As this stands as a threat to all Australian citizens, my biggest concern is the effect this issue has on low-income earners. Many face evictions which are leading them to give up their household. This will have disastrous long-term effects including a rise in homelessness and hunger. This national issue also puts pressure on the Royal Bank of Australia to lift its cash rate. This would force other banks to raise borrowing costs for businesses and households.

I argue that the government cannot do anything about this continuous issue. In fact, the government has assisted on a similar issue. They cut fuel excise to reduce the fuel inflation by 10 cents per litre. If the government could help control the inflation of fuel, can’t the government support food inflation as well?

I am aware and understand that funding grocery stores is challenging and a complicated solution as some of the causes of food inflation cannot be controlled. I also agree that you can’t demand more supplies (groceries) in order to reduce inflation. However, I do believe the government could lower the prices on essential grocery items like milk, bread, and eggs. They can do this by funding some of the costs in major grocery stores i.e Woolworths and Coles. If they could fund fuel costs, I assume they can do the same. If this decision comes into effect, Australian citizens would be able to afford their essential items.

I also do believe there is another solution that assists people who earn less. The prices on items they need to survive are increasing putting them in hard situations. More people are being forced to face evictions and live in their cars. Lifting the government’s income support to at least $70 so they can afford the increased price of everyday essentials. Currently, there are over 2.4 million people running on less than $70. If the government cannot control the supply shortage, increasing the national income support is the least they can do.

To prevent this national issue from rapidly growing any further, I ask you to oppose this needed change to the parliament to spread awareness of the growing concern myself and others are facing.

Once again, I hope you consider and raise my concern about increasing the income support for the low-income earners. I hope you have a good day/night.

Yours sincerely,

Kereen He