Understanding what the WA budget means for you

Summary:

The Western Australia Government’s 2024-25 budget includes cost of living relief, energy transition, education, training, and support for women. Key measures include a $400 electricity credit for households and small businesses, a $1.8 billion investment in clean energy and industry diversification, and a record $1.3 billion in education and training. Additional support is directed towards expanding the construction sector workforce and providing substantial assistance for housing and homelessness initiatives.

Cost of living relief

Western Australian households and small businesses will receive a $400 electricity credit in 2024-25. This initiative forms part of a $492 million package aimed at delivering a fourth electricity credit. Additionally, pensioners will receive $734 in energy bill relief, and eligible families will get at least $1,086 in support.

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Economic diversification and energy transition

To establish WA as a global clean energy leader, the government is investing $1.8 billion in energy transition and industry diversification. This includes:

A $500 million Strategic Industries Fund to develop strategic industrial areas and enhance WA’s clean energy leadership.
$324 million for planning and procuring transmission infrastructure for the state’s main electricity grid.
$148 million for constructing common user electricity network infrastructure in the North West Interconnected System in the Pilbara.

Investing in housing and homelessness

The budget addresses housing and homelessness with significant investments, including $85 million to boost the capacity of the residential construction workforce. This funding will provide:

$21 million for 150 additional apprentice and trainee wage subsidies for Group Training Organisations.
$37 million in incentives for apprenticeship completion, including tool allowances and milestone payments.
$4 million to continue the Construction Migration Office, attracting skilled migrants to the sector.

Investing in education and training

The state is making a record $1.3 billion investment in education and training, including:

$195 million specifically for training, with $85 million to expand the construction workforce.
$26 million for the Year 9 Career Taster and TAFE Return to Industry initiatives.
$8 million to continue offering Free TAFE courses.

Supporting WA women

The budget includes targeted support for women, featuring:

$46 million to extend the payment of superannuation on unpaid parental leave from 12 to 24 weeks for WA public sector employees.
A $3 million TAFE scholarships program, providing up to 400 women with opportunities in non-traditional trade and technical fields, including STEM and construction.