Affordable Living
Western Australia is facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis that's pushing families to breaking point. The past few years have seen the prices of groceries, housing and other essential goods outstrip income growth and government support payments - stretching increasing numbers of households in our community to their limits just covering their basic needs.
In a state known for its wealth and economic opportunities, families are making impossible choices between putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads.
Even two-parent-working families are now falling $60.77 short each week just trying to cover basic living expenses, while single-parent families face a staggering $94.12 weekly shortfall.
Dramatic rent increases are consuming any gains in household income, forcing families to cut back on essentials like food, medicine, and heating.
The Cook Government has offered some one off-cost of living reliefs, but much more is needed, especially directed to those people on lower incomes that are feeling the full brunt of the problem:
“At a time when more Western Australians are falling into financial hardship and seeing their standard of living deteriorate, the State Government needs to be delivering meaningful, targeted cost of living relief measures".
“It’s hard to celebrate a $3.1 billion surplus when WA families are 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.
“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 Council of Social Service CEO Louise Giolitto
We need to consider a targeted and comprehensive approach that helps people in our community who are in urgent need right now, including:
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A targeted cost-of-living package providing financial support for people unable to cover the cost of basics, such as housing, utilities, food, transport and car registration
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Extend transport concessions and discounts to all Centrelink Health Care Card holders and extend free public transport to tertiary and TAFE students
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Extend the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS), including increasing grant limits, allowing grants to cover all outstanding debt
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Expand breakfast and lunch programs in WA schools, prioritising schools in low socio-economic areas.
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Rent stabilisation measures to help people keep their homes in the face of skyrocketing rental rates
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Western Australia to join all the other States in abolishing no reason evictions, to provide housing security to renters and address the current imbalance of power between renters and landlords.
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Affordable renewable energy options for everyone, including zero-interest loans and a home energy rebate program designed to support lower-income households.