2023-24 WA Budget: Opposition claims Budget full of ‘empty promises’ and extra charges for households

The Opposition has criticised last week’s State Budget as full of “empty promises”, with Opposition Leader Shane Love saying West Australians were “slapped” with further increases in fees and charges. “Given their financial position, Labor has the opportunity to ensure WA families who are struggling to pay bills, cover rent and keep food on the table have the support they deserve,” Mr Love said. “Year after year, the Government increases fees and charges and uses the electricity credit as a distraction — this is a Government which gives with one hand, and takes with the other.” Mr Love said the Government had made a habit of making commitments with no time frame or delivery plan. “The McGowan Labor Government made an announcement of $511 million to build social housing, with no time frame for commencement of works — this was yet another empty promise,” he said. “We know from talking to not-for-profit organisations they are under enormous and unprecedented pressure. . .which has fallen on deaf ears of the Labor Government.” Shadow treasurer Steve Thomas said households would be worse off over the next financial year in spite of a one-off payment of $400 to assist with electricity bills. “The average household now pays $6690 a year and this one-off payment will do very little to reform cost-of-living issues that are plaguing Western Australian families,” Dr Thomas said. “Household fees and charges are forecast to increase by inflation (2.5 per cent) over the forward estimates period and this will add an additional $167 in 2024-25, $171 in 2025-26 and $175 in 2025-26.” The opposition is continuing to scrutinise the Budget papers ahead of the upcoming Budget estimates period, including how it addresses issues facing Albany and the Great Southern.