WA Opposition Hits Back at Premier Over Poverty Report

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has pushed back against opposition criticism following the release of a report estimating 456,000 Western Australians, including almost 99,000 children, are now living in poverty.

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre's 2026 Poverty Snapshot found 15.1 per cent of Western Australians are living in poverty, up from 11.8 per cent in 2021. The report attributes the rise to increasing housing costs and inadequate household incomes.

Speaking at a press conference at Dumas House on Sunday, Mr Cook acknowledged that Western Australians are "doing it tough" and pointed to his government's response.

"I remember when I stood in this place and I was elected in June 2023. I said I'd do two things. I said I'd keep the economy strong and to help those that are doing it tough," he said.

"We acknowledge that there are Western Australians at the moment that are doing it tough, and that's one of the reasons why we've provided a billion dollars in this budget alone of cost-of-living relief for Western Australians."

Mr Cook listed measures across public transport, school costs and fuel, and said governments at all levels need to work together to ensure people don't fall through the cracks.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas responded with the headline quote: "What they're doing isn't working." The opposition has not released a detailed alternative plan in the reporting so far.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The report's figures show a significant jump in poverty across Western Australia, affecting more than one in seven residents and nearly 100,000 children.
The political fight over cost-of-living relief is likely to be a major issue ahead of the next state election, as voters weigh the government's $1 billion package against rising poverty statistics.
The report's findings could pressure the state government to expand or redirect its relief measures, especially around housing and household incomes.

Background

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre has produced poverty snapshots for Western Australia for several years, tracking changes in poverty rates and demographics. The 2026 edition highlights how housing costs have become a key driver pushing people below the poverty line. The premier was elected in June 2023 and has made cost-of-living relief a central part of his government's agenda, though the new data suggests those efforts have not halted the trend.

Key Perspectives

Premier Roger Cook (Labor government): Defends the record, citing $1 billion in cost-of-living relief in the latest budget across transport, schools, and fuel. He argues the problem requires cooperation across all levels of government and says the state will continue to look for ways to help.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas: Rejects the government's approach, saying "what they're doing isn't working." He has not yet detailed an alternative policy but is using the report to criticise the government's performance.

Critics/Skeptics: The report itself suggests that rising housing costs and inadequate incomes are the main drivers, which could imply that one-off relief measures may not be enough to address the structural causes of poverty. There may also be questions about whether the government's measures are reaching those most in need.

What to Watch

Whether the opposition releases a specific cost-of-living or poverty reduction plan in response to the report.
Any further data from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre that could show whether the poverty rate is stabilising or continuing to rise.
The premier's next budget cycle, and whether it delivers new or expanded relief measures targeting housing and income support.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources