Kellie Sloane
Leader of the Opposition
NSW Liberal Leader
Scott Farlow
Shadow Treasurer
Shadow Minister for the Hunter
Families and businesses across NSW have been dealt another blow, with Sydney inflation jumping to 4.3 per cent in the year to September 2026, making the prospect of a fifth rate rise this year a near certainty.
According to figures released today by the ABS, Sydney inflation is up from 3.9 per cent last month, putting it higher than Melbourne's inflation and well above the RBA's target of 2-3 per cent.
Labor's cost of living crisis is hitting families and businesses hard when it comes to essentials, with Sydney utility bills rising 14.0 per cent, with water and sewerage up 29.3 per cent, electricity up 12.4 per cent and gas up 6.7 per cent.
Since Labor came to office in March 2023, Sydney households have faced eight rate rises alongside a 12.6 per cent rise in prices overall. Over the same period:
- water and sewerage bills have risen by 38.8 per cent;
- insurance costs have risen by 27.2 per cent;
- property rates have risen by 23.5 per cent;
- electricity bills have risen by 21.5 per cent; and
- rents have risen by 20.6 per cent.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said today's figures confirm the cost of living crisis is getting worse under the Minns Albanese Labor Governments.
"Already struggling families are paying more for water, power and at the bowser, and now face the reality of paying even more on their mortgages next week," Ms Sloane said.
"Under Minns and Albanese Labor, families are paying more for almost everything, working harder than they ever have just to stay afloat but still drowning under rising costs."
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Sydney inflation is now tracking well above the average 2.9 per cent under the former Liberals and Nationals Government, and being driven by Labor's higher tax and big spending agenda.
"Under Labor, state taxes have grown by over 30 per cent, with another tax or charge appearing everywhere thanks to Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese," Mr Farlow said.
"Sydney Water is owned and controlled by the NSW Government, yet water and sewerage bills are up by 29.3 per cent in a single year, despite Labor's talk of keeping costs low."
