For years the WACOSS Cost of Living Report has demonstrated that people on the lowest incomes area struggling, unable to afford life’s essentials. Over the past year, this situation has continued, with the financial position of most model households deteriorating.
Dramatic increases in rental prices have subsumed and outpaced any income growth, leaving low-income families unable to stretch the household budget to cover the cost of the basics.
Over the past year:
- Weekly expenditure of the model Single Parent Family surpassed their income by $94.12.
- The position of the Two Parent Family has dramatically deteriorated. For the first time, the model Two Parent Family’s income is insufficient to cover their basic living costs with weekly expenses exceeding their income by $60.77.
- The Unemployed Single is teetering on the edge, with their basic living costs totalling 15 cents more than their weekly income. JobSeeker was increased in September 2023, but fell well short of what was needed for people to cover the basic necessities.
- The model Age Pensioners (Homeowners) have $46.18 left over each week, while the model Age Pensioners (Renters) are $55.25 short each week.
WACOSS is hearing reports from the community that households on moderate and middle incomes are also facing financial hardship, relying on emergency relief services more than ever. Many households have exhausted their savings and are running out of options.
WA renters face unsustainable and unfair rent increases. For many renters, their homes are not safe or healthy but fear of eviction means they cannot advocate for basic repairs or the standards required by law. People are skipping meals, rationing medication, missing medical appointments, and are not heating or cooling their homes in an attempt to stretch their weekly budget. Community services, a place where many turn for support, have been underfunded for years and are being forced to cut outreach programs and reduce staff hours. Meanwhile, large corporations have increased their profits significantly compared to to pre-pandemic levels. While some families can’t put food on the table, Australian supermarkets have posted staggering profits and profit margins.
It is clear: out systems are not working for far too many Western Australians, and our community does not have equitable access to life’s essentials.
In the short term, improving outcomes for households on low income requires the WA Government to invest in targeted cost of living relief that directly relieves pressure on the weekly budget. This includes supports that significantly lower the cost of essential items – such as housing, transport, food and utilities – and ensuring that support initiatives are accessible, appropriate, and meaningful.
It is our overwhelming belief, that to achieve better outcomes in the longer term, the WA Government should prioritise investment in the needs of our people over economic growth or budget surpluses.
The economy should serve our people, not the other way around. If significant portions of our community are being left behind while our economy is booming, who is it really booming for?
This year’s Cost of Living Report outlines the impact of increasing costs on WA households and offers a call to action – asking communities and government to support changes that ensure everyone in WA has access to life’s basics. By responding to this call, we can create a WA where all families, communities and individuals can thrive.
Read the WACOSS 2025 Cost of Living Report
