❓ Opposition asks the Premier about cost-of-living support, potential home loan defaults, and specific measures like further payments and car registration freezes. The government highlights existing measures and WA's relative affordability.
AnsweredQoN 126Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
COST OF LIVING —
FEES AND CHARGES
126. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the increased mortgage
stress faced by many Western Australians combined with predictions from the
Premier of a global recession in 2023.
(1) Will the Premier commit to making further
cost-of-living payments available to Western Australians in 2023?
(2) Will the
Premier commit to freezing or reducing car registrations?
(3) Can the
Premier outline what the government's policy response would be if a significant
number of home loan defaults were to arise in the state?
(4) What other
safety net options is the Premier considering to assist Western Australians
with the rising cost of living and to ensure they do not lose their homes?
FEES AND CHARGES
126. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the increased mortgage
stress faced by many Western Australians combined with predictions from the
Premier of a global recession in 2023.
(1) Will the Premier commit to making further
cost-of-living payments available to Western Australians in 2023?
(2) Will the
Premier commit to freezing or reducing car registrations?
(3) Can the
Premier outline what the government's policy response would be if a significant
number of home loan defaults were to arise in the state?
(4) What other
safety net options is the Premier considering to assist Western Australians
with the rising cost of living and to ensure they do not lose their homes?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) The
McGowan Labor government acknowledges the difficulty of cost-of-living
pressures on households occurring both in Australia and overseas. Despite this,
Western Australia remains much, much more affordable
than other states. Lower general living expenses and transport charges and
significantly cheaper housing combined with better wages make Western Australia
significantly more affordable than its counterparts. The McGowan Labor
government has applied significant measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, including two electricity credits to
all WA households totalling $1 000. This means that household fees and
charges have decreased this year and are a net four per cent lower than was the
case prior to the pandemic in 2019–20 when the government's two
electricity credits are considered.
In
relation to relief for commuters, the McGowan government's election
commitment to cap public transport fares are now in effect. All public
transport travel is now capped at $5 one way, which could equate to savings of as much as $3 000 a year for one
person, and thousands more for a family. For example, a journey to the
Perth CBD for a person living in Dawesville has reduced by $8.20 one way,
allowing them to save up to $82 a week.
McGowan Labor government acknowledges the difficulty of cost-of-living
pressures on households occurring both in Australia and overseas. Despite this,
Western Australia remains much, much more affordable
than other states. Lower general living expenses and transport charges and
significantly cheaper housing combined with better wages make Western Australia
significantly more affordable than its counterparts. The McGowan Labor
government has applied significant measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, including two electricity credits to
all WA households totalling $1 000. This means that household fees and
charges have decreased this year and are a net four per cent lower than was the
case prior to the pandemic in 2019–20 when the government's two
electricity credits are considered.
In
relation to relief for commuters, the McGowan government's election
commitment to cap public transport fares are now in effect. All public
transport travel is now capped at $5 one way, which could equate to savings of as much as $3 000 a year for one
person, and thousands more for a family. For example, a journey to the
Perth CBD for a person living in Dawesville has reduced by $8.20 one way,
allowing them to save up to $82 a week.
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