Data shows Western Australians were already struggling with soaring living costs before recent spike in fuel prices. A reality that demands a response in the upcoming State Budget.
Findings from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA's latest survey reveal consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest point in three years, driven primarily by rising housing costs, interest rate increases and everyday expenses.
The survey, conducted in February, shows that more than seven in ten WA households identify living costs as the biggest pressure on their finances, with 38% indicated their household finances are worse than they were a year ago. Importantly, the data was gathered before the fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East – underscoring that financial stress was already deeply felt across the community.
The CCIWA findings point to growing hardship for both homeowners and renters. Mortgage repayments in WA have risen sharply following interest rate hikes, while median rents in Greater Perth now exceed $700 per week, hitting renters particularly hard.
Families are responding by cutting back wherever they can, with around half of households planning to reduce spending on non‑essentials such as food, recreation, hospitality and household goods over the coming months.
Services demand at record levels
For Anglicare WA and partner organisations, these pressures are already translating into unprecedented demand for help.
The Financial Wellbeing Collective recorded more than 5,100 calls to emergency relief and food access services last month, a 41 per cent increase compared with the same time last year.
Rising fuel costs are compounding the issue, with some people now struggling to afford the transport needed to access essential services.
Anglicare WA calls for comprehensive action
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said the State Budget must deliver a coordinated and meaningful response.
Comments attributed to Mark Glasson, Anglicare WA CEO:
“We want to see a comprehensive cost-of-living strategy that ensures no West Australian is left behind”.
Anglicare WA has consistently warned that without sustained, targeted action, households already on the margins will continue to fall deeper into hardship.
With the State Government forecasting another budget surplus, Anglicare WA is urging decision‑makers to use this opportunity to protect those least able to absorb ongoing cost increases.
What is a budget surplus and why does it matter?
A budget surplus simply means the State Government is collecting more money than it spends over the year through things like taxes, royalties and charges. When this happens, there is extra money available once day‑to‑day costs are covered.
Western Australia is heading towards another budget surplus, largely driven by strong revenues. This matters because it means the Government has greater capacity to invest in measures that ease pressure on households, especially at a time when many people are struggling to afford the basics.
A surplus presents an opportunity to:
- Provide meaningful cost‑of‑living relief, rather than short‑term fixes
- Invest in essential services and supports before hardship deepens
- Ensure those doing it toughest are not left behind while the State’s finances remain strong
