LIVING COSTS RISE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29264, 23 July 1960, Page 7

LIVING COSTS RISE

Record Increase In Melbourne

IN.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MELBOURNE, July 21. Melbourne’s record quarterly cost-of-living increase, announced in Canberra yesterday, has proyoked a storm of criticism. The increase, equal to a rise of 18s a week in the basic wage, was condemned by union, business and many political leaders as of almost uncontrollable inflation. The figures, for -the quarter ended June 30, indicate that Melbourne, with £l5 2s, now has the highest cost of living of any capital city in Australia. The Leader of the Federal Opposition (Mr A. Calwell) attacked the timing of the announcement by the Commonwealth Statistician. Earlier publication of the figures, he said, would have resulted in the Australian Labour Party candidates romping home in Bendigo and the Liberal man in Balaclava having to depend on preferences. The Acting Commonwealth Statistician (Mr K. Archer) said the figures were released as soon as they were available. Most Victorians do not receive the quarterly cost-of-living adjustments. As a result, the Federal basic wage for Melbourne is now 27s behind the cost-of-living figures. The Arbitration Commission refused to alter the basic wage in April and also refused an application for the restoration of automatic cost-of-living adjustments.