In Aston, the looming federal byelection takes second place to grocery prices for locals

But many also see the 1 April vote as the first electoral judgment of how well the Albanese government has responded to the cost of living crisis gripping Australia. If Labor wins, it will be the first time the party has claimed the seat in 33 years.

Edward McInerney, a local mortgage broker has seen the effect on family budgets. He says $500 grocery bills have become common.

Renters are also struggling in Aston. In the suburb of Boronia, the median rent price for a house increased by 8% in the last year. In Wantirna, prices are up 10%.

Dani and Josh, a young couple who are expecting their first child, say there was a lack of affordable housing in the area. The cost of living and housing will influence how they vote next month.

Back at the cafe, Kim says she expected the financial pressure would only get worse in coming months.

Her friend, Jayde, says her family was now considering whether to withdraw their children from after-school sport sessions to make ends meet.

Most people Guardian Australia spoke to in Aston said cost of living pressure would influence their vote in the byelection, but declined to say how.

Victorian Liberals have handpicked Roshena Campbell, a Melbourne city councillor as their best chance of retaining the seat.

While campaigning with Dutton in Bayswater last week, Campbell said the cost of living was crippling local families.

Tudge, battling several controversies, faced a negative swing of 7% at the last federal election on a two-candidate preferred basis, reducing his margin in the seat to a slender 2.8%.

He has faced intense scrutiny over his handling of the robodebt debacle while a minister in the Morrison government, including an appearance before the royal commission last week, and because of an extramarital relationship with one of his former advisers, Rachelle Miller.

Given the big swing against Tudge less than a year ago, Liberal strategists may be hoping voters remain focused on cost of living challenges, rather the scandals of the past.