Cost of living a big issue in Willoughby electorate says MP

Willoughby state MP Tim James says voters are telling him that the cost of living is a big issue in the electorate as he faces a strong challenge from independent candidate Larissa Penn and Labor’s Sarah Griffin.

James told the Sun that “I’ve been out every day at bus stops, doorknocking, in the community and visiting businesses, and the issue raised most frequently is cost of living. Interest rate rises and inflation are placing considerable pressure on family budgets. I know many people are doing it tough at the moment. And everyone is busy so it’s not always apparent what people can do to meet these challenges

– this is no surprise but perhaps how much help is available for local people is a surprise.”

James said the NSW government has introduced 70 ways to save money via ServiceNSW pointing specifically to toll relief and child care help.

“We are about easing pressure and want to help all people in Willoughby. The Liberals and I have a positive, caring plan to invest in the quality infrastructure and services our community needs – new and upgraded schools, public transport such as the Sydney Metro and improved health services. None of this is possible without a credible economic plan to deliver it,” he said.

Independent challenger Larissa Penn—who was only 3% off beating James at last year’s by-election, is picking up different signals from the electorate.

“The feedback I am receiving is that there has been a lot of “listening” but little to no action since the by-election. The community feels that nothing has changed which shows that their concerns are being heard and acted upon. I love our community and our environment. I love where I live and have spent the last 6 years fighting to protect it by advocating for more financially and environmentally sustainable alternatives to those being pursued by the current state government at enormous cost. We are told we are being heard but in fact things are worse. The time for listening has passed. We need meaningful action now in the face of high impact toll roads, overdevelopment and degraded services,” Penn told the Sun.

Labor’s Sarah Griffin is also hearing about the cost of living and links it to a mood for change.

“We are detecting a solid mood for change in the electorate. However, I am surprised, in this long held Liberal

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