The government of Western Australia has indicated that the upcoming state budget will prioritize housing, along with initiatives aimed at providing relief for the cost of living and enhancing health infrastructure. The specifics regarding the allocation of funds for these issues and how they will benefit the residents of Western Australia will be revealed later today.
Mia John Toru, a single mother of five, is optimistic that this year’s budget will bring some much-needed assistance to her family. Her primary concern is the escalating cost of housing, particularly after relocating to a larger residence. “I pay $730 a week, which accounts for nearly 48 percent of my salary,” she expressed. With her landlord planning to sell the property, she fears the challenges of re-entering the rental market amid soaring prices.
“I believe prices will continue to rise,” she remarked. “I wish the government could provide everyone with a home; just one home so that they can have a place to call their own.”
This sentiment echoes the goals of Premier Roger Cook, who stated his commitment to ensuring that every Western Australian has a place to call home. “My administration’s priority is to guarantee that every resident has access to housing,” he affirmed.
This year’s budget is expected to include several initiatives aimed at improving housing supply. These measures include funding for new homes intended for first-time buyers and regional workers, as well as additional social and affordable housing options. An investment of $2 billion, jointly funded by state and federal governments, is projected to create 34,000 new homes, with 11,000 designated for first-time buyers.
Furthermore, the government has committed an additional $1.5 billion over the next four years to construct 1,591 new social and affordable homes. On the morning of the budget announcement, Treasurer Rita Saffioti revealed that the stamp duty concessions and exemptions for first-time buyers would increase by $100,000, incurring an estimated cost of $297 million. Raising the exemption threshold to $600,000 will nearly double the eligible properties in the Perth metropolitan area, from 271 to 531. Similarly, increasing the threshold to $800,000 will expand the potential eligible properties to 2,349, up from 1,161.
The state government has indicated a preference for targeted measures to address the cost of living rather than broader initiatives. Ongoing one-time rent relief payments for individuals facing eviction will continue, and free public transportation on Sundays, as well as for students, will be made permanent. However, details regarding the continuation of student assistance payments for school-related expenses and relief options for utility bills—including water and electricity—are still pending.
Health infrastructure is also part of the agenda, with an additional $1.5 billion allocated for hospitals and beds. The budget will clarify how much of this funding will address cost overruns on existing projects.
Like many Australians, Ms. Toru has adopted a frugal lifestyle, purchasing groceries and household items in bulk and cutting back on luxuries such as dining out. However, as her income struggles to keep pace with increasing costs, saving money has become a nearly impossible task. “Before 2024, I was able to save a bit,” she noted. “But now, I can’t even manage to save. I have a decent income, but even that isn’t enough to save.”
With essential expenses like food and fuel consuming a larger share of her budget, Ms. Toru has had to pause her gym membership. “I had to put that on hold recently because diesel prices went up. I need to focus on covering the essentials and ensuring that our bills are paid.”
Ms. Toru hopes this year’s budget will provide immediate cost-of-living relief, as well as long-term solutions to address the underlying issues driving up costs, particularly in housing supply. “While it’s great to have some immediate relief, I believe the government is focusing on the wrong areas,” she stated. “I hope to be proven wrong this year.”
