❓ Opposition questions the Premier on the WA Rent Relief Program's extension, given Perth's unaffordability and government spending on a racetrack. Premier responds by highlighting housing investments and increased building approvals.
AnsweredQoN 683Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WA Rent Relief Program
683. Mr Basil Zempilas to
the Premier:
Before I ask my
question, I extend my condolences on behalf of everybody on this side of the
house to the farmer who died in the West River bushfire. That gentleman has
been identified as Shire of Ravensthorpe Deputy President Mark Mudie. We extend
our sincere and profound condolences to a man who died trying to assist not
only his family, but also his community. It reminds us all of the perils of
living in Western Australia at this time of the year in particular. Our thoughts
go to all those in his profoundly impacted community. Our thoughts are with them.
My question is to
the Premier. I refer to Perth being named as the most unaffordable city in
which to rent in this country. At a time when this government is spending
$217.5 million on a racetrack at Burswood, why will it not commit to extending
the WA rent relief program beyond the end of this year?
683. Mr Basil Zempilas to
the Premier:
Before I ask my
question, I extend my condolences on behalf of everybody on this side of the
house to the farmer who died in the West River bushfire. That gentleman has
been identified as Shire of Ravensthorpe Deputy President Mark Mudie. We extend
our sincere and profound condolences to a man who died trying to assist not
only his family, but also his community. It reminds us all of the perils of
living in Western Australia at this time of the year in particular. Our thoughts
go to all those in his profoundly impacted community. Our thoughts are with them.
My question is to
the Premier. I refer to Perth being named as the most unaffordable city in
which to rent in this country. At a time when this government is spending
$217.5 million on a racetrack at Burswood, why will it not commit to extending
the WA rent relief program beyond the end of this year?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for the question and also join the whole Parliament in acknowledging Mr Mark Mudie,
and his family's loss as a result of the fires in Ravensthorpe. Wherever these
fires occur—most recently in Chittering, Toodyay and Geraldton—they
devastate communities, but when that is combined with the loss of life, they
become fundamentally traumatic. All our hearts go out to the community and to
the family associated with Mr Mudie's passing. I am sure he will be much
missed.
In Western
Australia, our nation-leading economy and rapid population growth inevitably
leads to housing pressure. We are the strongest economy and the fastest growing
population in the country, which is why we have invested $5.8 billion in
housing and homelessness measures since 2021. We have delivered 3,800 social
homes with a further 1,000 under contract or construction. We know the key to
more affordable housing is increased supply, so that is
the reason we are working on our reforms around planning, housing and rental
tenancy and continuing to make sure that we can get more homes built faster.
That is the reason—
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr Roger Cook: That is the reason data released today
showed that building approvals in WA rose by 28.1% in October 2025. We all
understand the pressures associated with the housing market and housing
affordability, and the Western Australian people can have confidence that their
government understands this as well.
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr Roger Cook: That is the reason we have put in so many
resources and have made housing one of our key priorities for my government.
for the question and also join the whole Parliament in acknowledging Mr Mark Mudie,
and his family's loss as a result of the fires in Ravensthorpe. Wherever these
fires occur—most recently in Chittering, Toodyay and Geraldton—they
devastate communities, but when that is combined with the loss of life, they
become fundamentally traumatic. All our hearts go out to the community and to
the family associated with Mr Mudie's passing. I am sure he will be much
missed.
In Western
Australia, our nation-leading economy and rapid population growth inevitably
leads to housing pressure. We are the strongest economy and the fastest growing
population in the country, which is why we have invested $5.8 billion in
housing and homelessness measures since 2021. We have delivered 3,800 social
homes with a further 1,000 under contract or construction. We know the key to
more affordable housing is increased supply, so that is
the reason we are working on our reforms around planning, housing and rental
tenancy and continuing to make sure that we can get more homes built faster.
That is the reason—
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr Roger Cook: That is the reason data released today
showed that building approvals in WA rose by 28.1% in October 2025. We all
understand the pressures associated with the housing market and housing
affordability, and the Western Australian people can have confidence that their
government understands this as well.
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr Roger Cook: That is the reason we have put in so many
resources and have made housing one of our key priorities for my government.
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