While Christmas is top of mind for the majority of the Northern Rivers, it won't be long before the 2025 Federal Election becomes a priority for the Liberal/National, Labor and Greens parties and the Independents who will run.

The federal election is expected to take place in March, April, or May of next year, with the Prime Minister having the discretion to call the election within that timeframe.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan talked to the Lismore App in its podcast Talking Lismore about the cost of living, flood mitigation, vaping legislation and aged care facilities.

Cost of Living is shaping up to be a key issue in the election, or at least one that the Liberal National Party are expected to focus on during its campaign.

Mr Hogan said according to independent research, the average Australian family is over $35,000 worse off per year compared to three years ago. This significant financial strain is attributed to a series of 12 interest rate increases, which have resulted in an average mortgage cost increase of over $20,000 per year for families. The rising cost of energy and food, among other essential goods and services, has further exacerbated the financial burden on households.

The Liberal National Party believes that the current Labor government has not adequately addressed the cost of living crisis and has, in fact, contributed to the problem by implementing policies like the Truckie Tax, which they claim has increased transportation costs and, consequently, consumer prices. The party argues that excessive government spending contributes to inflationary pressures, further impacting the cost of living.

Mr Hogan said the Liberal National Party proposes to target cost-of-living relief by removing the Truckie Tax and alleviating inflationary pressures by controlling government spending. They believe these measures will contribute to lower interest rates and ultimately provide financial relief to struggling families.

While cost of living will be a focus for the opposition, Mr Hogan feels nuclear power will be a focus of attack from Labor and The Greens.

He believes that the Australian public is open to the idea of nuclear power despite Labor and the Greens' opposition. Mr Hogan cited his own experience, saying that he does not receive any emails about nuclear energy, but receives many emails about the cost of living.

Mr Hogan argues that his party's plan for nuclear energy is cheaper than the Labor Party's plan for renewable energy and would result in lower energy prices over time. He referenced a report by Frontier Economics, which supports his claim that his plan is cheaper than Labor's. He also highlighted that 19 out of the top 20 economies in the world have plans for nuclear power, while Australia remains the only one without.

When asked about flood mitigation and if a Liberal National party coalition would commit $1 to $2 billion dollars if a scenario took 1 metre or 1.5 metres of a future big flood, Mr Hogan said he would hope so.

"But it won't be easy because what they will look at and say is, well, we've just spent a billion dollars, and what's that achieved?" in reference to removing people off the floodplain through the Resilient Homes Program.

Mr Hogan acknowledged the significant challenges ahead and feels that retention basins will be a real option as part of a scenario, one that will cause community disharmony for some sections of the region. He said there is a vocal minority who philosophically oppose engineering solutions to flood mitigation.

A new coalition government would regulate vapes. Mr Hogan argues that the current prohibitionist approach to vaping, which requires a prescription from a doctor, is not working and is driving a black market. He believes that by regulating vapes and making them legal for adults over 18, the government could stamp out youth access and the involvement of organised crime.

“We’ve tried to tell the Labor Party that’s not working. We believe in regulation,” Hogan said. “So what does regulation mean? Well, you can go, if you’re over 18, and buy a vape as an adult, like you can go and buy a drink.”

Mr Hogan suggested taxing vapes to generate revenue for health programs. He compared this approach to the existing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol, suggesting that the government needs to be careful not to tax these products too much, as it could encourage black market activity and unsafe practices.

According to the CEO of the Northern NSW Local Health District, the lack of aged care facilities is one of the main reasons for Lismore Base Hospital's decreasing performance in the emergency department. Aged care facilities is the responsibility of the federal government.

Mr Hogan said the Liberal National Party is working on a bipartisan solution with the Labor government to solve the issue.

The full Talking Lismore chat can be heard by clicking here.

Kevin and Karen Hogan are spending their Christmas at the same local holiday spot as they have for the last 25 years, surrounded by family and friends. Kevin has three weeks to recharge the batteries before a busy election cycle kicks into gear early in 2025.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Lismore App