Author: Hataichanok Tubsang

As registration fees, memberships and equipment costs continue to rise, some Australians are questioning whether organised sport remains accessible or if participation has become a financial privilege.  After finishing work each day, Isabella Taylor, 22, heads straight to the gym, ice skating sessions or the occasional scuba diving trip, hobbies she says are essential for maintaining balance outside of full time work.  But staying active comes with a growing price tag and Ms Taylor is now questioning whether sport and recreational activities are worth the cost. “I think they give me a really good outlet for my energy and they…

There are concerns that young people are being increasingly exposed to gambling, from local venues to online platforms. Participation data has shown that gambling is spread across a wide range of activities, including lotteries, scratch tickets and electronic gaming machines. These forms of gambling are widely accessible and often low cost, making them easier for young people to engage with.  More traditional forms, such as race betting and sports betting, continue to attract participants, particularly through online platforms.  Illawarra resident Carter Jones, 26, said gambling is present across multiple aspects of everyday life, with easy access playing a key role…

Proposed changes to card surcharges could lead to higher price for consumers, according to a local Wollongong business owner. Roy’s Restrobar co owner, Vince Gibbs, 34, said businesses are charged transaction fees by banks each time a customer pays by card, with costs adding up significantly over time. “We’d pay at least 10,000 dollars a year in fees,” Mr Gibbs said. Mr Gibbs said these charges, typically around 1.5 per cent per transaction, are passed directly onto customers through surcharges, rather than absorbed by the business. With the proposed surcharge ban expected to be introduced, Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said…

Young Australians are increasingly feeling the pressure of the rising cost of food and living expenses, with new data revealing consistent price hikes across essential goods and services. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown that food prices have consistently risen alongside overall inflation, with grocery costs becoming a growing concern. The increase means young people are spending more just to maintain basic living. This reflects a broader discrepancy in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), highlighting how inflation is affecting everyday expenses.  Further data shows that housing insurance and transport costs have also increased significantly across major…