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Western Australia 2025-2026 Budget: Summary of Key Measures and Affected Groups

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WA State Budget 2025-2026: Winners and Losers

The Government of Western Australia has released its state budget for 2025-2026, outlining a series of measures that will impact drivers, renters, building companies, first-homebuyers, families, foster parents, public sector workers, and landlords. The budget includes new spending initiatives and policy changes affecting these groups.

Winners

Drivers

A $100 fuel support payment will be available to individuals holding a driver's license.

The program is expected to reach approximately 2 million people at a cost of $198 million.

Additionally, $8.3 million has been allocated for the development of digital driver's licenses for mobile phones. The rollout is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.

Renters

The existing rent relief program has been extended and will continue until July 2027. The program provides up to $5,000 to tenants who are behind on rent and facing severe financial hardship.

A ban on no-grounds evictions will be implemented.

Building Companies

The government will provide a $250 million underwriting scheme for apartment buildings. This is intended for developers who lack sufficient pre-sales to obtain financing.

The government states the scheme aims to unlock up to 1,200 new apartments and townhouses.

First-Homebuyers

The stamp duty threshold has been increased by $100,000.

  • Homes valued up to $600,000 will be exempt from stamp duty.
  • A concession applies for homes up to $800,000.

The government estimates over 25,000 first-homebuyers will benefit from this change.

Families

Student assistant payments will be provided in term three of 2026:

  • $150 per primary or kindergarten student
  • $250 per secondary student

Foster Parents and Grand Carers

A new Gold Card has been introduced.

  • The first benefit provided is $377 in energy bill relief, which can be used in addition to existing relief programs.
  • The subsidy rate for foster parents and grand carers has been increased by 10%.

Losers

Public Sector Workers and Consultants

Approximately 1,500 public sector workers will be dismissed.

The government has stated that these positions are non-frontline roles, excluding nurses and doctors.

Spending on external consultants will be reduced, with the government estimating savings of $579 million.

Landlords

The ban on no-grounds evictions restricts the reasons a landlord can terminate a lease.

Landlords will only be permitted to terminate a lease for one of seven specified reasons.