Electricity prices jump 12 per cent, six times the average pay rise.

Electricity prices have jumped by six times the rate of the average pay rise, new figures reveal, as family wallets are increasingly squeezed by essential services such as education, utilities and fuel.

The price of oil has jumped by 11.4 per cent over the past year.

The surge will increase concerns among policymakers over energy and household budgets as Parliament gets ready to resume next week, with both parties putting reducing cost of living pressures as their key policy pitches to voters this year.

Read Eryk Bagshaw’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Electricity prices jump 12 per cent, six times the average pay rise."

Food security talks take on increased relevance, importance

Intended discussions Beneath the Wisteria on Saturday, February 25, about food security have taken on an increased importance and relevance in the light of new report from the United Nations.

Although those who gather for the February 25 chat will undoubtedly consider local responses to food security, the conversation will unquestionably expand to consider world affairs.

The ABC today had some basic detail about emerging food, water and fuel challenges and the story can be accessed here – World running out of resources: UN