The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) has today released its 2026-27 State Budget Submission, with recommendations for public investment that would build lasting prosperity for all.

It has been another year of increasing hardship and struggle for many in our community, with persistently higher living costs coupling with a still-worsening housing crisis across WA.

Our State’s economy continues to thrive and we continue to hear about how successful – and lucky – we are to live here, but the reality is that not all Western Australians are reaping the rewards of this success which leads us to ask, who is the economy thriving for?

The purpose of the economy is to serve its people. All of its people.
Over the past year, WACOSS travelled throughout WA to get first-hand accounts from community members, workers and leaders, and what we heard was universal; that so many are going without the bare essentials like nutritious food, heating in winter and cooling in summer, just to survive another day.

Of particular concern were those living and working across the regions who are feeling the housing, cost of living and skills pressures most acutely.

For the first time, we have made targeted recommendations to help address these regional issues and ensure every Western Australian can access the services they need when and where they need them.

WACOSS Chief Executive Officer Louise Giolitto said the 2025-26 State Budget spoke of significant investment in ‘economic infrastructure to maintain our prosperity’, but those investments only comprised of ‘poles, wires, pipes and ports’.

“Our economy isn’t powered by concrete and cables alone; it’s powered by people – their ideas, skills, creativity, care and work,” Ms Giolitto said.

“Investment in productivity and the wellbeing of our people has the greatest impact on future prosperity and resilience. This is where we need to target public investment.

“When communities are supported by strong early education, health and care systems, people live longer, safer, healthier lives, which in turn strengthens our social fabric.

“That is why the recommendations in this State Budget Submission target these areas specifically, both in the Perth metro area and across regional WA.”

In an extended period of persistently higher living costs, more people than ever have bills and basic needs they cannot keep on top of. Added to that, it’s harder than ever for many to find a safe and secure home.

But these are not new problems; they just require new solutions. Western Australian families need our State Government to deliver targeted and genuine long-term solutions and programs, rather than short-term sugar hits.

“Policy makers must remember that a strong economy cannot be built on short-term gains or narrow measures of success,” Ms Giolitto said.

 “When we focus on generating and measuring real outcomes for our community, we are better able to identify and invest in programs and systems that deliver more productive and cost-effective longer-term economic outcomes.

“WA is a great State with a strong economy. Let’s make sure no-one is left behind.”