Monthly Archives: April 2026

PERTH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RISING AS COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS RAGES

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 24 April 2026 PERTH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RISING AS COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS RAGES New analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed a rise in youth unemployment across Western Australia, with young people in Perth increasingly struggling to find work as a result of the Albanese Government’s economic mismanagement. The analysis was commissioned by Opposition cost of living spokesman Senator Dean Smith from the Parliamentary Library. The latest ABS Labour Force data confirms Western Australia’s youth unemployment rate has climbed from 8.4 per cent in February 2025 to 9.6 per cent in February 2026 – a significantly sharper increase than the national rise over the same period. In real terms, it means around 4,200 more young Western Australians are now unemployed compared to a year ago. In Greater Perth, youth unemployment has jumped from the low levels seen in 2023 – around 8.2 per cent – to 9.4 per cent in early 2026, although it has decreased slightly since peaking above 10 per cent during 2024. At the same time, more young people are entering the workforce, but fewer are finding jobs. The number of unemployed young people in Greater Perth has increased by approximately 2,400 over the past year on an annual average basis, even as participation has grown. This points to a labour market that is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to enter, particularly in sectors most exposed to household spending pressures. Across the economy, businesses are facing rising input costs, higher energy bills, increased borrowing costs, and declining consumer confidence. All of this is flowing through to hiring decisions. Entry-level and part-time roles, critical to young people trying to get a start, are often the first to be cut or scaled back when conditions tighten. The data shows that while youth unemployment nationally has edged higher, Western Australia has experienced one of the most pronounced deteriorations. This comes at a time when Western Australian households are already facing significant cost pressures, with rising rents, higher grocery bills, and elevated fuel prices putting additional strain on budgets. The result is a compounding effect: fewer job opportunities for young people, alongside increasing financial pressure at home.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith  “The message from this data is clear: young Western Australians are going backwards under Anthony Albanese and Labor.” “After improving through 2023, youth unemployment in Perth has risen again – meaning thousands more young people are now out of work.” “In just one year, we’ve seen around 4,200 more young Western Australians unemployed.” “It is made all the worse by the fact that, in Perth, more young people are looking for work but more are also being locked out of the workforce.” “This needs to be a wake up call for the Albanese Government – Western Australia should be leading the nation, not experiencing one of the sharpest rises in youth unemployment anywhere in the country.”

PERTH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RISING AS COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS BITES

New analysis commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Parliamentary Library based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed a worrying rise in youth unemployment across Western Australia, with young people in Perth increasingly struggling to find work as cost-of-living pressures intensify under Labor.

COST-OF-SURVIVING CRISIS HITS FAMILIES AS FOOD DEMAND SURGES

Australians are being pushed to the brink under Labor, with new data from OzHarvest revealing the nation’s cost-of-living crisis has deteriorated into a full-blown “cost-of-surviving” crisis.

ALBANESE LABOR’S HOUSING FAILURE DRIVES RECORD LOAN SIZES AND DEEPER DEBT

New ABS Lending Indicators data for the December quarter 2025 has exposed the growing cost of Labor’s housing failure, with average home loan sizes recording their largest increase in more than a decade. Instead of delivering affordable homes, the Albanese Labor Government has delivered record debt. The ABS figures show that while the number of first home buyer loans increased across most jurisdictions — led by New South Wales (+10.9 per cent) and Western Australia (+9.8 per cent) — the value of those loans is rising far faster, with the average loan in WA increasing by $55,000 in the December quarter to $688,000, reflecting the relentless surge in house prices. In Western Australia alone, the value of finance for new home buyers jumped from $1,864.8 million to $2,211.1 million in the December quarter — a staggering increase in just three months. WA also recorded the largest annual increase in average loan size for owner-occupiers, up 16 per cent to June 2025 — the highest in the nation. At the same time, property investment lending in WA has surged more than 400 per cent over the past five years, fuelled by soaring rents and escalating property prices. Investment lending rose another 9.1 per cent in the September quarter 2025 alone. Mean dwelling prices in WA climbed 4.5 per cent ($40,800) in the September quarter, among the strongest increases in the country. These figures confirm a simple truth: under Labor, Australians are not buying more affordable homes — they are taking on bigger mortgages to chase fewer properties. While first home buyers may be entering the market in slightly higher numbers, they are doing so with unprecedented levels of debt. This is the direct consequence of a Federal Government that has failed to match population growth with housing supply, failed to meet its National Housing Accord targets, and failed to control the inflationary pressures that are driving up construction and land costs. Labor will point to rising loan approvals as a sign of confidence. In reality, it is a sign of desperation — young Australians stretching further than ever before just to secure a foothold in an overheated market. When average loan sizes rise at the fastest pace in more than a decade, it does not signal affordability – it signals a housing system under strain.   COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SENATOR DEAN SMITH: “Labor’s housing policy is forcing Australians to take on record levels of debt just to buy a home.” “The largest increase in average loan sizes in more than a decade is not a success story — it is proof housing affordability is going backwards.” “In Western Australia, the value of new home buyer lending has jumped by more than $346 million in a single quarter. That is not opportunity — that is escalating risk.” “WA has seen the largest annual increase in average loan sizes in the nation and a 408 per cent surge in investor lending over five years. That tells you everything about who this market is working for — and it is not first home buyers.” “Unless Labor fixes supply, reins in inflation and restores confidence in the construction sector, young Australians will keep paying more and borrowing more for less.”

RECORD MOTOR VEHICLE GROWTH LEAVES WESTERN AUSTRALIANS MORE EXPOSED TO FUEL SHORTAGES THIS EASTER

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2 April 2026 RECORD MOTOR VEHICLE GROWTH LEAVES WESTERN AUSTRALIANS MORE EXPOSED TO FUEL SHORTAGES THIS EASTER A surging population means Western Australia has experienced the fastest acceleration in the number of motor vehicles in the nation, positioning it to be uniquely affected by the Albanese Government’s fuel crisis. Figures from the Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics (BITRE) reveal that in the period from 2023 to 2025, the number of motor vehicles in Western Australia jumped by over 180,000 – or 7.5 per cent – to 2.62 million registered vehicles. This was the largest growth rate of any jurisdiction in Australia and well above the national growth of 5.6 per cent in the same period It follows other recent analysis by the Office of Senator Dean Smith of the latest available Census information* that found WA had the largest number of households with two cars in Australia. In fact, the West was second only to Tasmania in having the most households with three or more cars. The data confirms 39.1 per cent of Western Australia households, or 376,783 homes, had two cars – higher than any other state. The national average was 36.3 per cent and the average in other states ranged from 34.1 per cent (New South Wales) to 37.5 per cent (Queensland). The WA figure was up slightly on the 38.9 per cent recorded in the previous Census. Significantly, the West also had a near record number of households with three or more vehicles, at 20.7 per cent, or just under 200,000 homes. Tasmania was the only state with a higher rate at 22.3 per cent – and both were well above the national average of 18 per cent. Skyrocketing fuel prices and supply shortages now characterise life for motorists and businesses under Labor, with a failure of forward planning and mixed messaging from an Energy Minister who has clearly been asleep at the wheel. There are two further aggravating factors to consider in the WA context, where the turbulent fuel situation has been laid bare in recent days. Firstly, there has been massive population growth since this Census data was recorded, meaning a much higher number of motorists in the West will now be affected at the bowser. Secondly, it is a simple fact that Perth drivers generally have farther to travel. Perth is now reportedly the “longest” city in the world, featuring a 150km urban sprawl stretching from Two Rocks to Dawesville. All this combines to leave WA motorists uniquely exposed to the Albanese Government’s worsening fuel price pain and supply uncertainty – an unacceptable situation now the Easter break is upon us.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Each data study we see confirms it: WA is uniquely impacted by the fuel security failures of the Anthony Albanese Labor Government,” “WA, and even Perth itself, is a place where many people need a vehicle to shop, to go to work, to care for a relative or do the school run, and on the Albanese Government’s watch they are paying dearly for it.” “While the recent cut to the fuel excise, which the Coalition forced Labor to adopt, is welcome, Western Australians still need and deserve a plan for fuel supply from their Government – and they are not getting it.” “I am particularly concerned about communities and businesses in regional WA, with longer distances to travel and even greater price and supply impacts.” “Worst of all, this comes on top of existing cost of living pressures, with inflation and interest rates up and predicted to stay there, leaving Western Australians poorly placed to absorb fuel price spikes and making for an anxious Easter for many.”   *Census, August 2021

WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1 April 2026 WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT Western Australians were already under pressure before the Middle East conflict with new data showing the crisis is now accelerating. The latest CCIWA Consumer Confidence Survey reveals confidence has fallen to its lowest level since March 2023, with cost-of-living pressures driving growing economic anxiety. The survey of 836 households found that 72 per cent identified living costs as their biggest concern, while 28 per cent expect economic conditions to worsen. More than half—54 per cent—are already planning to cut discretionary spending, including on dining, retail and entertainment. At the same time, a CCIWA snap survey of more than 430 WA businesses highlights the scale of the fuel-driven shock to the economy. The survey found 82 per cent of businesses are experiencing higher supplier costs, with 45 per cent directly impacted by fuel shortages. Nearly one in three—31 per cent—describe the impact as significant or severe, while just 7 per cent report no impact. Businesses are being squeezed from both sides, with 56 per cent absorbing higher costs and 44 per cent passing those costs on to consumers. This confirms a clear reality: the cost-of-living crisis in Western Australia was already entrenched—and is now worsening. Households are facing rising mortgages, rents and fuel prices, while businesses deal with higher costs and supply disruptions. The result is a compounding cycle where higher business costs drive higher consumer prices. The economic consequences are already emerging with nearly half of businesses cutting non-essential spending, while one in four are reviewing staffing levels, raising concerns about jobs and economic resilience. With households tightening budgets, sectors like retail, hospitality and tourism—particularly in regional WA—are expected to feel the impact first.   Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith “Western Australians were already under pressure before this latest shock – this data makes clear the Albanese Labor Government has failed to get on top of its cost-of-living crisis.” “More than 70 per cent of households say living costs are their biggest concern, while over 80 per cent of businesses are facing higher costs – yet Labor continues to deny it has a spending problem that is driving inflation and making it harder to run a business in WA. “This is what happens when you have a high spending government fuelling inflation – business costs go up, families cut back, and yet Labor remains out of touch with what is happening on the ground.” Western Australians deserve a government focused on easing COST-OF-LIVING pressures, not making them worse – because right now, families and businesses are being left behind.”

WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1 April 2026   WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT Western Australians were already under pressure before the Middle East conflict with new data showing the crisis is now accelerating. The latest CCIWA Consumer Confidence Survey reveals confidence has fallen to its lowest level since March 2023, with cost-of-living pressures driving growing economic anxiety. The survey of 836 households found that 72 per cent identified living costs as their biggest concern, while 28 per cent expect economic conditions to worsen. More than half—54 per cent—are already planning to cut discretionary spending, including on dining, retail and entertainment. At the same time, a CCIWA snap survey of more than 430 WA businesses highlights the scale of the fuel-driven shock to the economy. The survey found 82 per cent of businesses are experiencing higher supplier costs, with 45 per cent directly impacted by fuel shortages. Nearly one in three—31 per cent—describe the impact as significant or severe, while just 7 per cent report no impact. Businesses are being squeezed from both sides, with 56 per cent absorbing higher costs and 44 per cent passing those costs on to consumers. This confirms a clear reality: the cost-of-living crisis in Western Australia was already entrenched—and is now worsening. Households are facing rising mortgages, rents and fuel prices, while businesses deal with higher costs and supply disruptions. The result is a compounding cycle where higher business costs drive higher consumer prices. The economic consequences are already emerging with nearly half of businesses cutting non-essential spending, while one in four are reviewing staffing levels, raising concerns about jobs and economic resilience. With households tightening budgets, sectors like retail, hospitality and tourism—particularly in regional WA—are expected to feel the impact first.   Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith “Western Australians were already under pressure before this latest shock – this data makes clear the Albanese Labor Government has failed to get on top of its cost-of-living crisis.” “More than 70 per cent of households say living costs are their biggest concern, while over 80 per cent of businesses are facing higher costs – yet Labor continues to deny it has a spending problem that is driving inflation and making it harder to run a business in WA. “This is what happens when you have a high spending government fuelling inflation – business costs go up, families cut back, and yet Labor remains out of touch with what is happening on the ground.” Western Australians deserve a government focused on easing COST-OF-LIVING pressures, not making them worse – because right now, families and businesses are being left behind.” ENDS