UnionsWA has commented on the release today by the McGowan Government of the 2019-20 WA State Budget.

Meredith Hammat, Secretary, UnionsWA said:

“Increases in state fees and charges at about CPI are welcome though working families are still struggling with low pay rises.

“Wage growth in WA is at record low levels and it is essential that this is restored.

“State Wages Policy, capped at $1,000, is not helping the local economy.

“For those in our public sector workforce and their families, pay rises are too often failing to keep pace with rising costs of living.

“This is unsustainable for public sector workers and their families and unsustainable for the community.

“Our public sector has been cut heavily in the past and those who deliver needed local services in our schools, hospitals and prisons, among others are under a great deal of pressure.

“This Budget has done too little to address these issues.”

Additional Information

The Budget includes, for the 2019-20 financial year:

• 1.75% increase in residential electricity tariffs;
• 2.5% increase in the Water Corporation’s total water tariffs (water, wastewater and drainage);
• 2% increase in public transport standard fares (rounded to the nearest ten cents), but no increase to the student fee of 70 cents;
• 3% increase in motor vehicle licence fees;
• 3.1% increase in compulsory third party (CTP) insurance premiums;
• 2.7% increase in the Emergency Services Levy, and;
• TAFE fees remain frozen.

Total expenditure by the ‘representative household’ on this basket of Government goods and services in 2019-20 is an increase of 2% or $127.77.

Budget predictions for percentage (%) changes, key economic indicators

2019-20, 2020-21 & 2021-22.