Dominic Perrottet, the NSW Premier, has acknowledged that his family of nine is struggling with the high grocery prices amid Australia’s inflation crisis, despite his $416,000 salary.
During a TV debate with Opposition leader Chris Minns, he admitted that the cost of living is a challenge for every family in New South Wales.
He specifically mentioned the weekly grocery bill as the major issue for his family with seven children.
Meanwhile, his wife, Helen Perrottet, expressed her willingness to have more children, even though their current grocery bill is already larger than most.
In the same interview, Mr Perrottet stated that he has a plan to reduce grocery costs for NSW families, which would involve addressing supply chain issues by getting produce from port to plate faster.
However, Mr Minns argued that reducing the cost of food is not a state responsibility.
Nevertheless, Mr Perrottet remains optimistic that his policies, if re-elected, would bring prices down.
The latest data shows that Australian families are spending $1,924 more on their groceries compared to last year, with the average household spending $185 per week on groceries.
This figure is $37 more than in February 2022, resulting in a 25% increase in the weekly grocery shop, totaling $18.8 billion nationally.
Groceries are one of the top three most stressful expenses for 43% of households.
Millennials are spending more than other generations, with a weekly spend of $197, compared to $149 for baby boomers, $187 for gen Xers, and $186 for generation Z.
Money expert at Finder, Sarah Megginson, stated that households are facing tough times as escalating grocery costs become a massive extra burden, and Aussies are changing how and where they shop just to keep food on the table.
Residents of Western Australia have seen the sharpest increase in their weekly grocery bills, which have risen by more than a third, while NSW residents are paying more than any other state.
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