After two years of strong economic management through the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government is set to reveal a second budget surplus under Treasurer Mark McGowan.
Boasting Australia’s strongest budget puts Western Australia in an enviable position, allowing the State Government to put forward new policies and spending which locks in long term benefits for our economy.
The number one issue facing businesses across most Western Australian sectors is a shortage of workers. This puts our ongoing economic success at risk as we transition out of the pandemic.
According to analysis of ABS data conducted by the Property Council there are nearly 15,000 more jobs than unemployed people in WA, meaning there are 1.29 jobs available for every unemployed person.
Property Council WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer said the opportunity now is for the State Budget to focus on attracting skilled workers to not only take jobs here in the short term, but to set up the rest of their lives here.
“Western Australia, like every other state, is in a global race to attract the very best people to our shores.
“We have an incredible story to sell to the world. We are a safe, clean, attractive state and are still a comparatively affordable destination to make a life.
“In the State Budget, we would like to see additional investment in the ‘Build A Life in WA’ Campaign to expand its reach and impact, increased support for expediting rental supply through land tax reform for build to rent projects, and the removal of financial barriers to homeownership for workers and their families who move to Western Australia from abroad.
“Western Australia will only benefit from attracting more people, which is why this budget needs to focus on people attraction, more than job creation,” Ms Brewer concluded.
The State Budget will be handed down on Thursday 12 May 2022.
