The Coalition has been accused of going missing in action on long-term solutions for Australians struggling with the cost of living.

Last night’s federal budget will spend big on a raft of one-off payments but the Australian Council of Trade Unions says they won’t stretch very far.

“There is nothing in this budget that’s going to deliver real wage increases for Australian workers,” union President Michele O’Neil told Neil Breen.

“One-off payments, they just don’t cut it, they’re not a substitute for getting wages growing again.

“When you think about things like rent and groceries and childcare costs, increases are not one-offs.”

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Image: Today