War and economic uncertainty abroad are colliding with the daily struggle at home to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table.

The cost of living is stretching more than household budgets. It’s wearing people down. The worry follows them to work, comes home with them, and keeps them awake at night.

For the Albanese government, those pressures are making an already difficult job harder. But Australians need to feel their government can do something about it, and the longer they wait for relief, the harder it becomes to sustain that belief.

Today, executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, on a government under pressure, a public running out of patience, and the case for a bolder response.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Peter Lewis is an executive director of Essential, a progressive strategic communications and research company. Essential conducts qualitative research for the ALP