21 March 2025
Statement from Greens SA Co-Leader Robert Simms MLC:
Labor and the Liberals missing in action on cost of living at today’s Leaders’ Debate
Voters looking for a strong plan to tackle the cost of living crisis would have been bitterly disappointed by today’s Leaders’ Debate.
After 3 years in government, Labor have failed to take the action needed to support South Australians who are struggling, while the Liberals remain a visionless, policy-free zone.
Neither Premier Malinauskas nor Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia outlined a clear plan to get cost of living under control. What are their policies to address grocery prices? What are they doing about rent prices? What are they doing to reduce electricity costs? What are they doing about homelessness? What are they doing to reduce public transport costs? What are they doing about soaring school fees? What are they doing to help South Australians who can’t afford to see a doctor?”
The Greens have been leading the charge to address cost of living with a comprehensive suite of policies including:
- Mandating 30 per cent social housing in new developments
- Capping rent increases
- Scrapping public school fees
- Providing free school breakfasts and lunches
- Public ownership of electricity to provide low cost power
- Scrapping public transport fees
- Changing planning laws to stop big food retailers from buying up land to squeeze out competition and drive up prices
- State funded bulk billing GPs
South Australians need a strong opposition voice in the Parliament, with an alternate vision for our state. It’s clear from the Liberals’ performance in today’s debate that they aren’t it.
They are good at whinging, but they don’t have any plans of their own. Mr Tarzia spoke about “forgotten people", but he forgot to reveal his own plans. Meanwhile, Labor is just offering more of the same policies that are preventing struggling South Australians from being able to get ahead.
The Greens will continue to hold the government’s feet to the fire over the next 12 months - offering a clear alternative vision. Nothing changes, if nothing changes. And change is desperately needed in our state.
We’ll be campaigning over the next 12 months to double our representation in Parliament so that we can deliver real outcomes for the people of South Australia.