The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) has released a report highlighting the increasing cost of living pressures faced by Western Australians, particularly those on low incomes. The report paints a stark picture of financial hardship, with many individuals forced to make difficult choices between essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare. Soaring rental prices, driven by record low vacancy rates, are identified as a major contributor to this struggle. These escalating housing costs are outpacing income growth, leaving low-income families increasingly unable to afford basic living expenses and pushing them further into financial precarity.
Adding to the financial burden, transport costs have also seen an upward trend. This increase, coupled with rising food prices, compounds the challenges faced by those struggling to make ends meet. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a concerning 3.4% increase in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices over the past year, with the cost of fruit and vegetables experiencing a dramatic 9.6% surge. This sharp rise in essential food items places further strain on household budgets, particularly for low-income families who already allocate a significant portion of their income to food expenses.
The WACOSS report details the distressing consequences of these compounding economic pressures, with accounts of individuals skipping meals, rationing medication, and forgoing essential utilities like heating and cooling to cope with the rising costs. These stark realities underscore the severity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. WACOSS Chief Executive Louise Giolitto emphasizes the disproportionate impact of these cost-of-living increases on low-income individuals and families, describing it as “another tough year for Western Australians, but especially for those on lower incomes.”
Giolitto uses the report’s findings to advocate for a shift in government priorities, urging them to invest in the needs of its citizens, particularly those struggling with the rising cost of living, rather than prioritizing budget surpluses. She specifically calls for increased support for essential weekly expenses, including housing, transport, food, and utilities, arguing that investment in these areas is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the community. Furthermore, Giolitto highlights the chronic underfunding of community support services, essential for a fair and functioning society. She points to the detrimental impact of this underfunding, noting that organizations are forced to curtail outreach programs and reduce staff hours, thereby diminishing their capacity to provide vital support to vulnerable individuals.
The report’s findings and Giolitto’s subsequent calls for action raise critical questions about the economic prosperity of Western Australia. While the state boasts a booming economy, the report highlights a stark disconnect between this economic growth and the lived experiences of many residents. Giolitto challenges the notion of a universally shared prosperity, questioning “who is it really booming for?” This pointed question underscores the report’s central argument: that the benefits of economic prosperity are not being equitably distributed and that urgent action is required to address the widening gap between the wealthy and those struggling to afford basic necessities.
The WACOSS report serves as a stark reminder that economic prosperity must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of all citizens. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to economic development, one that prioritizes the well-being of all residents, particularly those most vulnerable to economic hardship. The report’s findings underscore the importance of investing in essential services and support systems to ensure that everyone can afford a decent standard of living. This includes addressing the root causes of rising housing and transport costs, increasing support for low-income families, and strengthening the capacity of community support services to provide crucial assistance to those in need. The report ultimately calls for a re-evaluation of priorities, urging policymakers to prioritize the well-being of the community and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all.
