The WA government will stump up an extra $762 million to help families battling with the soaring cost of living.
Handing down its eighth budget, the Labor government said it was delivering a record assistance package to reduce the cost of electricity, education and transport.
Premier Roger Cook said the budget looked after Western Australians doing it tough.
“As we continue to adjust to higher costs, my government is providing support for families, seniors, tradies and renters,” he said on Thursday.
“This budget delivers for every Western Australian”.
Electricity credit
The new measures include $492 million in energy bill relief for households and small businesses, with a $400 electricity credit.
More than 100 million has been allocated to provide support to families for school payments, with a $150 payment for kindergarten and primary school students and $250 for high school students.
Government tariffs, fees and charges have been reduced by 2 per cent for the financial year ahead and an extra $65 million will help cap airfare costs for regional residents.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the package would deliver $1460 in cost-of-living assistance for an average family with two high school-age children.
This includes support with public transport costs, with $21 million budgeted to provide free bus and train rides for children travelling to and from school.
The government is also funding fee-free TAFE for more than 130 qualifications at a cost of $8 million.
The overall package increases total government investment since 2019-20 to support families and small businesses to $3.5 billion.