WA Budget Delivers $3.5 Billion Surplus and New Cost-of-Living Relief

Western Australia Treasurer Rita Saffioti has handed down the state budget, revealing a $3.5 billion surplus alongside a suite of new cost-of-living measures for residents.

"We know that households face challenges in balancing their budgets." — Rita Saffioti

Key Measures Announced

$100 Fuel Voucher for Every Driver
Every holder of a Western Australian driver's license will receive a $100 fuel voucher. Notably, the voucher can be spent on any item, not just fuel.

Student Assistance Payments
A third round of student assistance has been confirmed. Families will receive:

• $150 per primary school student
• $250 per high school student

"This means a family of four with two kids in high school would be eligible to receive $700." — Rita Saffioti

Utility Bill Relief
Concession card holders will receive a 10% increase in assistance for electricity and water charges, though those charges themselves will increase by 2.5%.

Cost Increases to Note

Not all news was about relief. The budget also includes:

• Motor vehicle charges will rise by 3.4%
• The emergency services levy, added to council rates, will increase by 5%

A Dig at the Reserve Bank

During her budget speech, Saffioti made a pointed remark about the nation's monetary policy.

"I didn't like their interest rate increase." — Rita Saffioti, referring to the Reserve Bank

Government Modelling on Savings

The government's modelling suggests a "representative" household could save $221.89 in 2026 under a specific scenario: if students use public transport daily and parents leave the car at home three days per week.