While everyday Australians struggle to pay rent, buy groceries, and keep the lights on, our politicians are enjoying taxpayer-funded perks while receiving nearly $16,000 in pay rises over the last two years.

On top of that, they get hundred of dollars each day in travel allowances, a tax-payer funded vehicle often worth over $80,000 with free fuel, maintenance and insurance, plus a $120,000 payout when they leave politics.

How is it fair that while millions of Australians can’t afford basic necessities, the people in charge are living large on public money? If our leaders truly cared about the cost-of-living crisis, they wouldn’t be cashing in while the rest of us suffer.

A nation’s leadership should rise no faster than its most vulnerable citizens. If the people’s pay barely rises, then neither should their representatives.

It’s time to slash political perks, freeze MP pay rises, and put everyday Australians first.