Western Australia's Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Rita Saffioti, has declared that bolstering the state's health system and tackling the housing shortage will remain the government's foremost priorities as it looks towards 2026. In a significant statement of intent, Saffioti emphasised that these critical areas of public concern will continue to receive focused investment and policy attention.
Core Commitments: Health Infrastructure and Housing Supply
Saffioti confirmed that the government is steadfast in its commitment to a record-breaking $11 billion investment in health infrastructure. This massive financial injection is aimed at expanding hospital capacity and upgrading medical facilities across the state to meet growing demand. The Treasurer linked this spending directly to the need for responsible economic management, stating that such ambitious projects are only possible because of the government's disciplined fiscal approach.
On the housing front, the government is pushing forward with its ambitious target of delivering 17,000 new social homes. Saffioti acknowledged the persistent challenges in the housing market, describing the situation as a "crisis" that requires sustained effort. The plan involves not just construction but also streamlining planning processes to accelerate development and increase the overall supply of homes for Western Australians.
Economic Management and Future Challenges
The Treasurer defended the government's financial strategy, highlighting its role in enabling major social investments. She pointed to the state's strong balance sheet as the foundation for funding essential services without imposing harsh austerity measures. However, Saffioti also signalled a cautious approach to the future, noting that global economic uncertainties and a predicted slowdown in GST revenue pose significant challenges for the upcoming state budget.
This forward-looking statement prepares the public for a potentially tighter fiscal environment while reaffirming that core service delivery in health and housing will be protected. The government's narrative is clear: prudent economic management today is what secures the essential services of tomorrow.
As Western Australia moves closer to 2026, the political focus will remain firmly on the delivery of these promises. The success of the government's health infrastructure blitz and its strategy to unlock housing supply will be key measures of its performance for the people of WA.
