00:02Anthony Ashwood moved from the streets to this van 18 months ago.
00:07Right here is my fridge, my most important piece of equipment, and here is my bed.
00:13But the disability pensioner is struggling to keep his home running.
00:17I really rely on diesel to keep my food cold, to keep my medicines cold, to power my little shower
00:25that I have here.
00:26He's having to go without the utilities' diesel powers more often.
00:30If I have no diesel, that's it. I don't move.
00:36It really does have a dramatic sort of effect on one's mental health.
00:40Housing costs have gone up across the country by more than 40% over five years,
00:46forcing more people to live in their vehicles nearly 8,000 last financial year.
00:51And the recent 40% spike in fuel is an increase many can't afford.
00:56They need to keep fueling cars, so quite often the supermarket is one of the first sacrifices.
01:03The sacrifices are more common in regional areas, which have less public transport.
01:08So the car is the only way to get around.
01:11And with rising fuel prices, support services are left to try to reach those in need.
01:17We're actually able to see less and less people per day.
01:20But the non-profit sector that typically provides help is also feeling the pressure.
01:24They're seeing a drop off already of volunteers. They're also reporting a drop off of donations.
01:30The federal government is providing an extra $8.5 million to nearly 200 support services.
01:36But many don't think it's enough.
01:38We need to increase the social security benefits. They're far too low already.
01:42The government has already cut the fuel tax in half for three months.
01:45It barely covers the rise in Mr Ashwood's diesel build.
01:49I just wish it was a bit more affordable at the moment.
01:52A moment taking its toll.
01:54A moment taking what makes sense of risk.
01:56Let's honour this one real quick to reopen our
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