McDonalds has rolled out a new budget meal deal nationwide designed to give customers better value for money as many Aussies struggle amid a cost-of-living crisis.
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson says Australians are going without food to feed their children and some are living with candles and torches rather than power.
“He will see out his time as prime minister as long as he possibly can. I can’t see him going to an early election,” Ms Hanson told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
“As far as cost-of-living … one in five are actually living with candle or torches, one in ten are … going without food to feed their kids … it is absolutely deplorable.”
Maccas launched its McSmart Meals nationwide on Wednesday, designed to give customers better value for money at a time when many people are doing it tough.
The meal deal for $6.95 offers customers a choice between two cheeseburgers or chicken ‘n’ cheese burgers – or one of each – along with a small fries and small soft drink.
While menu prices can vary depending on the McDonalds restaurant, by comparison, a cheeseburger alone typically costs about $4.90, while the same burger in a small meal deal can cost roughly $8.40 to $9.00.
McSmart Meals rolled out in McDonalds restaurants on Wednesday amid the cost-of-living crisis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray
Marketing Manager for McDonald’s Australia Tobi Fukushima said budget meal deal comes at an important time amid a cost-of-living crisis.
“We know how much it means to our customers to offer value, and that has never been more important than it is today,” he said in a statement.
“Customers can now make the smart choice at Macca’s with the McSmart Meal, as part of our ongoing commitment to serving the taste that customers know and love, but with even greater value.”
The McSmart Meal is available daily 10.30am to midnight in McDonalds restaurants, drive-throughs and via the MyMacca’s app.
McDonalds also has a “Loose Change Menu” which includes Frozen soft drinks for $1 and $2 for a hamburger.
The new menu item is available to order in McDonalds restaurants, drive-throughs and via the MyMaccas App nationwide. Picture: Supplied
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The development comes after a number of items on McDonalds menus around the country have seen a price hike in recent years.
Finder’s head of consumer research Graham Cooke recently revealed to news.com.au the cost of a large fries had gone up from $3.20 to $4.85 – a rise of more than 50 per cent since 2019.
“That’s pretty significant — this is coming amid a time when everyone is focusing much more on bang for their buck due to cost of living,” he said.
The cost of a classic angus burger has also increased by more than 25 per cent, from $7.95 to $10.
Many Aussie families are feeling the pinch financially, with the cash rate reaching a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent this year.