Cost of living  — Western Sydney University experts available for interview

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision, Western Sydney University experts are available for interview to discuss ongoing cost-of-living pressures, how interest rate rises are affecting households and families, including what the decision means for communities across Western Sydney.

Professor Azadeh (Az) Dastyari, Centre for Western Sydney

Professor Azadeh (Az) Dastyari is the Director of the Centre for Western Sydney and a Professor of Human Rights Law at Western Sydney University. She leads place-based research, engagement, and advocacy that seeks to unlock the unlimited potential of Western Sydney, with a strong focus on challenging systemic inequality and amplifying community voices. Professor Dastyari has held academic appointments at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University, and the European University Institute, and her expertise is regularly sought by parliaments and United Nations bodies.

“Families in Western Sydney are being asked to shoulder economic shocks that that are beyond their control. Many entered the housing market in good faith and are now facing relentless increases in repayments with almost no room to move. The impact of sustained high interest rates will not be short term. It will shape who is able to build security and who falls behind, entrenching inequality for generations to come.”

Professor Neil Perry, Centre for Western Sydney

Professor Neil Perry is Chief Economist of the Centre for Western Sydney and specialises in economic development.

“The Central bank’s decision to lift interest rates on Tuesday disproportionately affects the households of Western Sydney. Western Sydney has lower incomes than the rest of Sydney and many parts of Australia and therefore suffers more from cost-of-living pressures. Interest rate rises just adds to the woes. The Central Bank’s mandate does not include looking at the impact of their actions on specific regions. We argue it should.”

Dr Anastasia Mortimer, Centre for Western Sydney

Dr Anastasia Mortimer is the Centre for Western Sydney’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, at Western Sydney University. She is a social sciences researcher who explores issues related to internal disaster displacement, climate justice, emergency shelter and housing, and sustainable development. Her research and advocacy aim to draw attention to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, as well as intersecting human rights challenges within the social and ecological nexus.

“When interest rates rise, mortgage holders feel it immediately. Households with large mortgages or smaller savings buffers take the biggest hit, because they have less room to absorb higher repayments. That’s why rate rises can deepen financial pressure for working families, particularly in Western Sydney where people have lower disposable incomes and lower net savings.”

Associate Professor Michelle Cull, School of Business

Associate Professor Michelle Cull is a leading academic in financial planning, with her research focusing on financial planning education, ethics in financial advice and financial inclusion. Michelle is co-editor of the Financial Planning Research Journal, President of the Academy of Financial Services in the United States, and Chair of Australia’s Financial Planning Education Council. Michelle led the development of the Personal Finance Basics microcredential and WalletSmart App, and co-founded the Western Sydney University Tax Clinic.

“Many households with mortgages will be feeling the strain on their budget as banks immediately pass on the interest rate increase. It is important for households to revisit their budget (or create one if they haven’t already!). This can help find any spending leaks to free up more of the budget to cover extra mortgage repayments.”

“Some quick and easy ways to plug these leaks without compromising on your standard of living include finding better rates/plans for many of your everyday bills including utilities (water, gas, electricity), phone, internet, health insurance, car and home insurance as well as taking advantage of specials on grocery items.”

Dr Joshua Kalemba, Lecturer Youth Work, School of Social Sciences

Dr Joshua Kalemba is a Lecturer in Youth Work at Western Sydney University. His work focuses on young people’s experiences of work in the context of the changing nature of employment. His research explores how young people, particularly migrant youth, experience looking for work and being in the workplace, and how these conditions shape their future aspirations and sense of belonging to place/s.

“When interest rates rise, the flow-on effects include higher rents and increased living costs. For many international students and other temporary residents, this creates pressure to work more hours to cover basic expenses. However, visa conditions limit how much international students can legally work. Many are concentrated in low-waged, casual jobs, meaning those who rely on paid work have less capacity to absorb cost-of-living shocks than permanent residents or citizens, and may face pressure to work beyond permitted hours or breach visa conditions to manage everyday living costs.

To arrange an interview, please contact media@westernsydney.edu.au.

ENDS.

6 February 2026

Media Team

Photo credit: Pixabay