What we know about this year’s WA budget

Ahead of this year’s state budget, the Cook government has been busy announcing a host of commitments – many focusing on WA’s housing situation and health system.

As our journalists set off for budget lock-down, WAtoday takes a look at the major spending that has already been allocated by Premier Roger Cook and his cabinet before the official figures are set out on Thursday.

Health Infrastructure

The government is tipping $1.5 billion into WA’s hospitals, including a $500 million uplift to the Building Hospitals Fund, and a $214.1 million increase to capital maintenance funding over the forward estimates to maintain existing hospital infrastructure.

What they said:

“We’re investing record amounts in health infrastructure, and have changed how we deliver major projects, challenging remote hospital builds and maintenance across the public health system.”
- Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey

Water infrastructure

There will be $2.7 billion in this year’s state budget as part of $6.4 billion over the next four years.

That includes $606 million to support the construction of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, as well as an additional $166.7 million for planned maintenance across the state.

What they said:

“Western Australia is undergoing a significant water transition as the climate continues to dry, and as outlined in our Made Possible by Water document, the Cook Labor government’s sustained investments in desalination, recycling and groundwater replenishment are ensuring the state remains ahead of emerging pressures.”
- Water Minister Don Punch

Social Housing

There will be $1.5 billion to deliver more social and affordable homes, including a $1 billion investment to deliver 1426 new dwellings in partnership with the Commonwealth.

It also incorporates $452 million for an additional 165 social homes and refurbishment of 215 homes.

What they said:

“We’re investing an additional $1.5 billion to deliver one of the biggest affordable and social housing programs in our state’s history.”
- Treasurer Rita Saffioti

Clean Energy

The government has pledged $1.4 billion for the state to establish a clean energy fund, with the aim of securing clean, reliable and affordable energy for households and businesses across the state.

It will include a further $7 million to support Horizon Power’s work in transitioning to renewable energy in regional WA.

What they said:

“This critical project will create hundreds of local jobs and allow us to capitalise on our State’s abundant wind and solar resources.”
- Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson

TAFE and Training

More than $216 million to support working and training initiatives to ensure a skilled and diversified workforce.

That includes $124 million to continue current fee settings into 2027, including fee-free and lower-fee TAFE courses.

What they said:

“Skills and TAFE training are critical to developing the skilled workforce we need to build homes, hospitals and to deliver AUKUS.”
- Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson

Mental health

There will be $414 million to boost mental health and alcohol and other drugs service delivery, including $15.4 million to trial a pilot crisis recovery and intervention support service.

What they said:

“The Crisis Recovery and Intervention Support Service will be the first of its kind in the State, and an important initiative to provide person-centred care, outside of a hospital.”
- Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat

Schools and education

The government has allocated $2.1 billion for new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements over the next four years, including $754 million in the state budget into new schools, infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

What they said:

“This $2.1 billion investment in new and upgraded public schools continues our strong program of delivering new and improved infrastructure right across WA.”
- Education Minister Sabine Winton

Road Infrastructure

A $1.1 billion joint investment with the Commonwealth for crucial road connections to the proposed future Westport container terminal in Kwinana.

The Australian Government’s investment of $552 million will be matched by the WA Government.

What they said:

“We’re delivering Westport to keep Western Australia’s economy the strongest in the nation, and these upgrades to Anketell Road mark the first major infrastructure project that will enable that vision.”
- Treasurer Rita Saffioti

Road safety

A $339.9 million investment in road infrastructure and enforcement includes $22.2 million for enforcement initiatives, including $13 million for camera operations and $9.2 million for targeted operations by WA Police.

What they said:

“With $339.9 million being invested from the Road Trauma Trust Account, we are improving roads, supporting new technology and increasing education - exactly as the RTTA is intended for use.”
- Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby

Cost of living

There has already been $70 million announced to continue initiatives and provide ongoing cost-of-living relief for Western Australian families.

That includes locking in free public transport for all passengers on Sundays and students travelling to and from school.

What they said:

“After my government introduced the Go Anywhere Fare, making public transport more affordable than ever, record numbers of Western Australians are now using buses, trains and ferries to get around.”
- Premier Roger Cook