State Budget 2026: WA Families Still Paying More

Western Australians are paying more, waiting longer and finding it harder to get ahead under WA Labor.  This month the Cook Labor Government handed down another State Budget backed by record revenue, booming royalties and billions in GST income, yet too many families are still struggling with housing, healthcare and the rising cost of living.

Rarely have we seen a State Budget so roundly condemned for its recklessness and irresponsibility, with Shadow Treasurer Sandra Brewer warning the Government’s years of uncontrolled spending are continuing to drive inflation and place further pressure on WA households.

Over recent weeks, including during visits throughout the Scarborough electorate with Tjorn Sibma MLC, one message has come through clearly from local families, businesses and community groups: people feel like they are paying more and getting less.

This Budget confirms those concerns.

Labor is promoting a $100 fuel payment as relief, but many households will still end up worse off once those extra charges are factored in.

Housing remains one of the clearest examples of Labor’s failure. Home ownership is moving further out of reach, rents continue to rise and housing supply is falling further behind demand despite years of record stamp duty windfalls flowing into Treasury.

Western Australians don’t want more spin and announcements. They want affordable homes, functioning hospitals and real relief from the pressure they are facing every week.

The WA Liberal team will continue to hold the Cook Labor Government to account and fight for practical solutions focused on the priorities that matter most to Western Australians.