With no date yet set for the federal election, the campaign is clearly well underway.
Last week, independent candidate for Monash Deb Leonard unveiled her Cost of Living action plan.
Ms Leonard vowed to fight for struggling local families.
"All over Monash, foodbanks are under immense pressure as more and more people in our community can't afford day-to-day living costs," said Ms Leonard.
"Something has to change."
Ms Leonard's plan targets the three biggest cost pressures identified by Monash residents:
- Skyrocketing grocery prices
- Rising energy bills
- Rising rents and mortgages
"The major parties won't stand up to the supermarket giants who donate to their campaigns. I'll fight to bring down grocery costs by breaking up the supermarket duopoly, increasing competition, and cracking down on price gouging," Ms Leonard declared.
Her plan also includes ensuring fair prices for farmers, supporting local food enterprises, and reducing food waste.
On energy, Ms Leonard criticised the government's "$250 energy rebate band aid" and called for long-term solutions.
"My policy will ensure every home, school and business has access to the savings through solar and batteries. With community batteries and microgrids, we'll bring down prices and protect against power outages."
Ms Leonard reiterated her commitment to addressing the housing crisis through increasing supply within town boundaries in Monash, and boosting rental availability.
"As your independent MP, I will stand up to corporate giants, put power in the hands of our community, and take real action so every person can afford to keep a roof over their head and food on the table," she said.
"Cost of living was a key issue at the 2022 election. People were already struggling then. We had already started on the downward track to crisis point under the Coalition, and it has not stopped under Labor.
"The major parties have sent us off track and we can't trust them to fix this - they're in the pockets of big donors.
"It's time for an independent local voice delivering common sense policies from the community, for the community."
Ms Leonard said her plan demonstrated her understanding of the challenges facing Monash families and her commitment to delivering practical results.