Peter Martin, a Visiting Fellow at the Crawford School, and Shane Wright, Senior Economics Correspondent, dive into the economic hurdles Australians face ahead of the 2025 Federal Election. They discuss the impact of rising costs on voters' lives, especially as more people turn to food banks. The role of consumer sentiment in shaping political strategies is explored, alongside the varying economic messages from the government and opposition. Predictions about interest rate cuts and the disconnect between inflation and high prices stir a crucial conversation about political survival.