West Australians are feeling the squeeze as the cost of living continues to climb. Essentials like housing, groceries, fuel, rent, and power bills are becoming harder to afford, forcing families, businesses, and individuals to make tough choices every day.
Behind the statistics are real people—parents struggling with rent hikes, small businesses battling rising costs, and families choosing between heating their homes or buying food. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a quality-of-life crisis.
The government has the power to ease some of these pressures, but instead of real action, we get bandaid solutions and wasteful spending. It’s time to change that.
The cost of living is made up of many parts. I want to look at some areas where the Government can have a direct influence in bringing down costs.
Let’s Break It Down
Food & Fuel Prices
Since 2021, food prices have surged by 24%. This increase is not limited to supermarket shelves; it encompasses the entire supply chain:
- Fuel Costs: Farmers, truck drivers, and supply chains depend heavily on fuel. Without strong advocacy to maintain practical Federal Fuel Tax Credits, these costs are likely to continue rising, impacting food security and sustainability.
- Seed and Fertiliser Costs: Essential agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers have experienced significant price hikes, adding to production expenses and, ultimately, consumer grocery bills.
Action: Advocate the Australian Government to maintain reasonable Federal Fuel Tax Credits to stabilise supply chain costs and support food security. Support primary producers by ensuring fair pricing for seeds, fertilizers, and transport costs, thereby stabilising food prices, and prioritise WA-grown food.
Energy Costs
Since 2021, wholesale electricity prices have doubled, driving up costs for warehouses, shops, and homes. These costs are often passed directly to consumers, creating a ripple effect that impacts everyone.
Action: Implement a freeze on electricity prices to alleviate immediate financial pressures on households and businesses.
Government Spending & Inflation
Did you know a key cause of rising inflation is government spending? Every dollar the government spends comes from us—through taxes, fees and charges and royalties. Wasteful spending and government overreach drive up inflation, leading to higher costs for everyone.
Action: The Government must reduce unnecessary spending and focus on core business (e.g. health, education, transport, food security). Equally as important, we must reduce government overreach and empower and support services already provided within our communities by not-for-profit organisations.
Payroll Tax & Business Costs
The Western Australia Government imposes a payroll tax rate of 5.5% on employers with annual taxable wages exceeding $1 million. This rate is among the highest in the nation, deterring business investment and adding to the cost of essentials.
Action: Immediate reform of payroll tax, reducing the burden on small and medium businesses and making WA more business-friendly.
Insurance, Registration & Fees
Additional expenses, like bank fees, car insurance, and vehicle registrations, exacerbate the financial strain:
- Insurance: Motor insurance premiums in WA have risen substantially since 2021, with some reports showing increases exceeding 30%. This required service further tightens household budgets.
- Registration, Fees & Charges: Significant increases in registration, fees and charges add to the cumulative financial burden on consumers. These costs are something the State Government can control.
Action: Examine and address the rising costs of insurance, registrations, and government-imposed costs to prevent unnecessary financial burdens on families and businesses.
We Need Action, Not Words
Addressing the cost-of-living crisis requires a Government that can make tough decisions and practical, people-first policies.
West Australians are resilient, but something must be done now to alleviate cost of living pressures. Offering free bus tickets won’t solve a crisis when we’re all still footing the bill through taxes.
We need leaders who make tough, practical decisions to ease cost-of-living pressures.
At this State Election, we must elect a government and representatives who will cut wasteful spending, prioritise real solutions, and put WA people first—not party agendas.