Reported at www.theguardian.com: Labor has managed to reduce inflation in Australia, with the consumer price index rising by only 2.4% over the past year, but many voters remain unconvinced due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, particularly from increased mortgage repayments.

Opposition parties have criticised the government’s handling of rising food prices, which have increased by 12% since the last election, despite the Prime Minister highlighting a slower rate of increase.

Economists suggest that satisfying voters will depend on the Reserve Bank of Australia lowering interest rates, which are currently affecting household budgets significantly.