Iron ore drives even bigger surplus in WA, but not everyone is feeling the love
Saffioti said infrastructure spending was important to build the state’s economy which, in turn, allowed the state to deliver cost-of-living support.
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“That’s why we continue to make sure that we create jobs in our economy because jobs are fundamental to how families can succeed,” she said.
Saffioti also spruiked her government’s decision to pour a further $400 million into extending utilities to future land developments to address the housing crisis.
The Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund will allow Western Power and WaterCorp to build power and water infrastructure to land in priority areas like Byford and Ellenbrook, reducing the time developers have to wait for those services to become available.
Saffioti said housing costs were a significant driver of cost-of-living pressures, and by increasing supply, costs like rent would drop.
WA Council of Social Services chief executive Louise Giolitto said it was hard to celebrate a $3.1 billion surplus when families were struggling to put food on the table.
“Many of the $70 million in additional cost of living measures to-date unfortunately fall short of what is needed for struggling WA families, and it is unfair to consider measures such as free zoo visits and museum trips as ‘cost of living relief’, when families return home to empty pantries,” she said.
“Given the circumstances, this is clearly a missed opportunity to announce a much-needed funding package targeted to deliver financial relief for those doing it toughest. Especially at this time of the year.
“It’s time to put the people of WA first and offer financial relief to all struggling households. The series of short-term sugar hits that have been delivered can only go so far.
“We need long-term genuine solutions, with fairer and better targeting.
“WA is a great state, let’s make it a fairer one too.”
The state’s debt pile has been shaved by $289 million to $32.5 billion.
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