The Western Australian government has unveiled a significant policy package set for 2026, targeting both household budgets and local governance. The dual-pronged plan promises direct financial relief for public transport users while launching a major intervention to address dysfunction within several metropolitan councils.
Direct Savings for Commuters
From the start of 2026, the state government will implement a permanent reduction in public transport fares for specific user groups. Premier Roger Cook confirmed the move, stating it forms a core part of the government's strategy to tackle cost-of-living pressures. The exact details of which commuter groups will benefit and the scale of the fare reduction are expected to be finalised and announced well before the 2025 state election.
This initiative directly responds to growing financial strain on households and aims to make public transport a more viable and affordable option for more Western Australians. The policy is designed to provide long-term relief, moving beyond temporary measures.
Major Intervention in Council Operations
Running parallel to the transport savings is a decisive crackdown on problematic local governments. The state government has confirmed it will introduce legislation to appoint official "conduct commissioners" to oversee three specific metropolitan councils: the City of Perth, the City of Stirling, and the City of Canning.
The commissioners will be granted substantial powers to monitor and rectify issues related to council conduct, governance, and administration. This extraordinary step follows years of persistent problems, including internal conflicts, controversies, and administrative failures that have hampered service delivery and eroded public trust in these local authorities.
The government's position is that the ongoing dysfunction within these councils has reached a point where state intervention is necessary to restore proper governance. The commissioners will work to ensure councils adhere to their legal obligations and operate in the best interests of their communities.
Implications and Political Context
This combined announcement strategically addresses two prominent public concerns: the rising cost of living and the effectiveness of local government. By bundling these policies, the government is presenting a broad platform of action ahead of the next electoral term.
The public transport fare reduction is a tangible, voter-friendly commitment likely to resonate with a wide audience. Meanwhile, the hardline approach to council dysfunction demonstrates a willingness to take control of governance issues that have caused community frustration.
These 2026-dated policies provide clear points of differentiation for the government as it prepares its re-election campaign. The success of these measures, particularly the council interventions, will depend on the specific powers granted to commissioners and their ability to enact meaningful change within complex local government environments.
Residents and ratepayers in the affected council areas will be watching closely to see how the state-appointed commissioners navigate the challenges and what improvements they can deliver in day-to-day council operations and community outcomes.
