Higher Household bills in Queensland

The average cost of family household bills in Queensland has increased by $175 a week over the past 2 years according to a report by the Australian Sunday Mail. The increases have been caused by rising food prices, electricity bills and the cost of petrol. In the same period take-home pay has risen by about $65 for the average full-time wage earner.

There is concern that there may be more price increases in the near future. Food production has been cut by the drought and grocery prices, especially for fresh fruit and vegetables, will rise dramatically this winter. Electricity prices may increase by up to 10 percent this year, adding $130 a year to the average power bill as the State Government raises the minimum tariff. Water shortages could push power costs even higher.