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Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate in the federal seat of Bonner (Queensland), will address the cost-of-living crisis by tailoring solutions to the local community’s specific needs while also advocating for broader federal reforms.
His is a strategic approach that balances government policy with local relevance.
Bonner includes a mix of middle-income suburban families, retirees, and small business owners. Key suburbs like Carindale, Wynnum, and Mt Gravatt face issues such as:
- Rising mortgage and rent costs
- High fuel dependency due to commuting
- Pressures on groceries, healthcare, and childcare
- Limited public transport in outer suburbs
Craig recognises that this is a complex issue, but with a business and management background he has identified the key issues that need addressing:
Housing Affordability
- Push for increased Commonwealth funding for social and affordable housing.
- Support rent relief programs and incentives for build-to-rent developments.
- Advocate zoning reform and infrastructure investment to increase housing supply in outer Brisbane.
Energy and Utility Costs
- Subsidies for solar and battery systems for homeowners and renters.
- Upgrade energy infrastructure to improve grid reliability and reduce bills.
- National price caps or oversight on power companies.
Transport Costs
- Invest in better public transport options for Bonner’s outer suburbs like Gumdale, Chandler, and Wakerley.
- Advocate for electric vehicle incentives, especially for low and middle-income households.
- Push for fuel price transparency and regulation to prevent regional gouging.
Grocery and Essentials
- Support a national inquiry into supermarket pricing and anti-competitive practices.
- Back support for local farmers and producers, cutting transport costs and middlemen.
- Promote food co-ops and community gardens in urban parts of Bonner.
Childcare and Education
- Support universal childcare to help working families manage expenses.
- Expand school lunch and breakfast programs for families under stress.
Wages and Job Security
- Back a living wage policy and strengthen collective bargaining rights.
- Support small business tax relief so local employers can pay workers more.
- Promote local jobs and apprenticeships, especially in green industries.
Obviously, this involves a lot of work, but with a proven history of getting results, Craig has outlined the following plan:
Local Initiatives for Bonner
- Host “Cost of Living Town Halls” to listen to constituents and tailor solutions.
- Create a Bonner Cost of Living Taskforce made up of residents, business owners, and community advocates.
- Launch a “Cost of Living Action Plan”—a clear, measurable roadmap with regular progress updates.
Communication Strategy
- Framing the crisis in human terms: telling the stories of real families in Bonner.
- Offering practical, bite-sized commitments, not just broad ideology.
- Emphasising local advocacy with federal clout by taking Bonner’s voice to Canberra.
- Being visible and active in the community. Craig has worked for social justice over the past 30 years, actively as leader of various organisations and by writing articles that have appeared in almost 200 newspapers across Australia.
The people of Bonner have been neglected for decades. It’s time to change this.
Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based author, journalist, teacher, business consultant and social justice campaigner. He is the General Manager of the Australian Business and Leadership School.
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