WA Budget 2026: Key Facts on Cost of Living, Housing, and Health

Treasurer Rita Saffioti has handed down her third State Budget, one pitched as having a laser-focus on cost of living, housing and health. Labor’s tenth budget in power revealed cost of living relief for around 2.2 million drivers and an ambitious capital works program amid global uncertainty. Here are all the key facts and figures you need to know.

Cost of Living Measures

West Australians have become accustomed to cost of living relief, and the 2026-27 State Budget was no different. The headline relief has come in the form of a $100 Fuel Support Payment for the roughly two million people who hold a driver’s licence. While billed as a response to rising fuel costs, the payments would barely cover one tank of fuel and do not have to be used at the bowser.

Parents will also get a continuation of the Student Assistance Payment as the program reaches round three. Families will receive $150 for every primary school or kindergarten student and $250 for each secondary student, to be paid in term three of 2026.

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Household Fees and Charges

While the Budget touts a 3.3 per cent reduction in household bills, this takes into account the $100 Fuel Support Payment. Both electricity and water charges will rise 2.75 per cent, totalling a $108.43 increase in annual bills, more than wiping out the fuel payment. Motor vehicle charges are also on the up, rising 3.4 per cent, or nearly $35. Public transport costs have decreased thanks to the continuation of $2.80 fares as well as free Sunday and student fares.

Iron Ore

Ms Saffioti has again taken a cautious approach to future iron ore royalties. The figure well surpassed expectations in the most recent financial year, sitting at an estimated $US105 per tonne. The price is expected to fall to $85 in 2026-27 and fall further to $72 for the forward estimates.

Iron Ore Price ($US/Tonne)

2025-26: $104.7
2026-27: $85.2
2027-28: $72
2028-29: $72
2029-30: $72

The Housing Spends

The Cook Government has boasted of how much it is spending in the housing and health sectors. $4.7 billion will be put into housing, touted to build utility infrastructure to unlock new housing builds. It includes $2 billion split 50/50 with the Federal Government to build more than 30,000 homes and a separate $1.5 billion to build more than 3000 social and affordable rentals.