WA Drivers to Receive $100 Fuel Credit in State Budget Boost
Synopsis
Western Australia has posted a $3.5 billion budget surplus, driven by a major GST windfall, as the Cook government rolls out fresh spending on fuel relief, housing and health. The budget includes a $100 fuel credit for WA drivers, billions for housing projects and a record investment into the state’s health system. Families with schoolchildren will also receive direct support payments and expanded public transport benefits. While the government says the budget will help ease cost-of-living pressure, critics argue many households struggling with rising bills and housing stress will see little meaningful relief.
Western Australia has posted a $3.5 billion budget surplus, powered mainly by a record GST windfall, with the Cook government revealing spending measures on fuel relief, housing and health as households wrestle with cost-of-living pressures.
Key Highlights
- WA posted a $3.5B surplus.
- From July 1, drivers will receive a $100 refund on fuel.
- The state's GST revenues are expected to be $9.3 bn next year.
- $4.7bn committed for housing and infrastructure.
- Record $9bn health investment planned for over four years.
GST Boom Helps Deliver Another WA Surplus
Western Australia has posted another firm budget surplus, buoyed by continuing high GST receipts that are restoring the state’s finances. On Thursday, Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti delivered their third budget, showing a $3.5 billion surplus supported by an anticipated $9.3 billion in GST revenue in the coming financial year.
The government says a strong financial position will free up major investment in housing, hospitals and family support, with state debt also set to be $4 billion lower than previously anticipated.
Cost of Living Help for Families & Drivers
As part of a broader cost-of-living package aimed at helping households manage out-of-control costs, the budget provides a $100 fuel credit for each WA driver’s licence holder from July 1. Support payments to families for school-age children will also be made, including $150 for kindergarten or primary students and $250 for the high school level.
Initiatives for free public transport for school students and seniors were also included, although drivers will still experience increases in licence and vehicle registration fees.
WA Focus on Housing, Health and Jobs
The budget prioritises housing and health, with $4.7 billion for new housing projects and a record $9 billion over the next four years for the health system. The housing package includes assistance for first home buyers, new builds across Perth and regional WA, and strategies to enhance housing supply.
The health system will also benefit from a much-anticipated upgrade of hospitals, new beds and a cancer treatment facility in Perth. The plans include cuts to 1,500 public sector jobs, most of them back-office roles, as the government redirects activity into frontline services, despite the spending plan being scaled up.
FAQs
- How much is WA’s budget?
The WA budget surplus was around $3.5 billion.
- How much fuel support was announced?
From July 1, holders of a WA driver’s licence will be issued a $100 fuel credit.
- How much GST revenue is forecasted by WA?
GST revenue is projected to be $9.3 billion for the next year
- What housing measures were included?
The government allocated $4.7 billion to housing and infrastructure projects, including assistance for first-home buyers.
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