WA Budget Delivers Cost-of-Living Relief, But Regional Critics Say It Falls Short

Lead

Western Australia's state government has unveiled a budget that allocates more than $1 billion to cost-of-living relief, including a $100 fuel payment for all motorists and free public transport for school students. The measures come as the government projects a $2.4 billion surplus for the coming financial year, with significant spending on health, housing, and infrastructure. However, the package has drawn criticism from regional communities who say it does not address their unique challenges.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from ABC Australia highlight the budget's dual focus on providing immediate relief while managing long-term economic uncertainties. The state government has framed the measures as targeted assistance for those most in need, with Premier Roger Cook describing housing as the government's "number one priority." Treasurer Rita Saffioti emphasized the strength of the state's finances, saying, "A strong set of books helps us weather the economic storm [ahead]... This budget will support Western Australians in navigating our way through the changing and unpredictable swell."

However, the coverage also notes that critics, including advocacy groups and regional residents, argue the relief does not go far enough. Anglicare WA chief executive Mark Glasson pointed out that the budget papers do not mention the word "poverty" once, suggesting a lack of focus on the most vulnerable. Regional community leaders, such as Patricia Riley of the Pandanus Park Aboriginal Community, labelled the measures "ridiculous," stating that public transport discounts are useless in areas without bus or train services.

Key Claims

• The WA government has put aside over $1 billion for cost-of-living relief measures, including almost $200 million for a $100 fuel support payment for all motorists.
• A family with two adults and two children could receive about $3,600 in concessions and savings if eligible for all programs.
• Public transport prices will be capped, and fares will be free for school students.
• The state government projects a $2.4 billion surplus for the next financial year, with an additional $9.1 billion allocated to health and $4.7 billion to housing.
• Risks to the state's economy include global uncertainty and trade policy uncertainty.
• Regional groups have criticised the cost-of-living measures as insufficient, citing high fuel costs and lack of public transport in remote areas.

Perspectives

State Government: Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti have defended the budget, arguing that targeted measures are the preferred approach to assist those in need, with housing and cost-of-living relief as top priorities. They maintain that the state's strong financial position allows for significant investment in essential services.

Regional Critics: Residents and community leaders in regional and remote areas argue the relief measures are Perth-centric and fail to address their higher living costs, including expensive fuel and limited access to public transport. Patricia Riley, chairperson of the Pandanus Park Aboriginal Community, described the $100 fuel payment as "ridiculous," noting that it barely covers the cost of a round trip to Derby for groceries.

Advocacy Groups: Groups like Anglicare WA have expressed concern that the budget does not do enough for those most in need, with CEO Mark Glasson highlighting the absence of the word "poverty" in the budget papers.