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.
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.
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.”
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
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.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 31 March 2026 WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT Cost of living pressures under the Albanese Government are driving growing economic anxiety in WA. The latest CCIWA Consumer Confidence Survey reveals confidence has fallen to its lowest level since March 2023. 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 – or 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. 31 per cent, almost one in three, describe the impact as significant or severe, while just 7 per cent report no impact. 56 per cent absorbing higher costs and 44 per cent passing those costs on to consumers. 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. These are the economic realities for Western Australians after nearly four years of the Albanese Government. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith “This data confirms the toll of the Albanese Labor Government’s economic mismanagement on Western Australian households and businesses.” “It mirrors recent national figures that also confirm consumer confidence is at a historic low.” “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 home or business in WA” “This is what happens when you have a high spending government fuelling inflation – business costs go up, families cut back, both are left exposed to external shocks like the one in the Middle East.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 23 March 2026 COMMUNITY SECTOR REPORT CONFIRMS COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES HITTING HOUSEHOLDS A new report published by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) has confirmed that cost-of-living pressures are driving a sharp rise in demand for community support services under the Albanese Government. The QCOSS State of the Sector 2025 report found 81 per cent of services experienced increased demand in the past year, while only 9 per cent said they are always able to meet demand. Housing pressures are a key driver. The report notes some households are spending up to 49 per cent – almost half – of their income on rent, while more than 31,000 households remain on the social housing waiting list, with rental vacancy rates sitting around one per cent. Confirming the toll of Labor’s cost of living crisis, community organisations report that Australians who previously did not require assistance are now seeking it as the price of essentials continues to rise. At the same time, the report found 80 per cent of organisations say government funding does not cover the full cost of service delivery, placing increasing pressure on frontline services. Unsurprisingly, the workforce is also under strain, with 46 per cent of staff reporting pressure due to understaffing and 44 per cent reporting emotional exhaustion. These findings, as has been the case with a number of recent reports, confirm the significant pressures cost of living increases are placing on households and the community sector on the Albanese Government’s watch – both across Queensland and nationally. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith “Frontline organisations are telling us demand is rising rapidly while their capacity to respond is stretched – this is a common story from organisations and a direct result of Labor’s inability to manage the economy and inflation.” “The QCOSS report shows only nine per cent of services say they can always meet demand, while more than eighty per cent are seeing demand increase.” “When eighty per cent of organisations advise funding does not cover the cost of delivering services, it is clear the sector is under enormous strain.” “These figures show the cost of living crisis is not only affecting households under the Albanese Government – it is placing growing pressure on the organisations working so hard to support them.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 23 March 2026 FUEL CHAOS HURTS WA DRIVERS MOST Data analysis reveals why Western Australian motorists will be among the worst affected by skyrocketing fuel prices under the Albanese Government. Based on the latest available Census information*, WA had the largest number of households with two cars in Australia. It was also second only to Tasmania in having the most households with three or more cars. The analysis was completed by the office of Senator Dean Smith, who is Opposition spokesman for the Cost of Living. Data confirms 39.1 per cent of Western Australia households, or 376,783 homes, had two cars – higher than any other state – with a national average of 36.3 per cent. 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. Fuel prices continue to climb on Labor’s watch, with a failure of forward planning and mixed messaging about supply from an Energy Minister who has clearly been asleep at the wheel. In WA, there are also two aggravating factors to consider. 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. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Each data study confirms it – whether it be due to government spending and inflation, or a failure to address fuel insecurity – Australians are worse off under Labor.” “Unfortunately, we continue to see that WA is disproportionately affected, from record rental stress to the emerging fuel crisis.” “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.” “At a time when Australian need clarity and a plan for fuel supply from their Government, Labor is failing them.” “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.” *Census, August 2021
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 20 March 2026 LABOR CALLED ON TO ADDRESS COST OF LIVING CRISIS IN NEW REPORT The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has highlighted the “human stories of struggle” behind the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis, urging the Albanese Government to “listen and act”. The organisation’s Social Justice Statement, The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good, outlines the financial strain being experienced by households as rising prices outpace incomes. Evidence cited in the report reveals more than 70 per cent of Australians say the cost of goods and services has risen faster than their earnings. Food insecurity is increasing, with more than one in three Australian households having difficulty accessing sufficient food in 2025, forcing many families to skip meals or rely on emergency food relief. The report notes that housing pressures remain another major contributor, with more than 1.2 million low-income households spending over 30 per cent of their income on housing costs. Also addressed are the severe, unique pressures facing regional and remote communities, where basic food costs can be more than double those in capital cities. Unsurprisingly, this is also affecting wellbeing, with nearly half of those living in financial stress reporting worsening mental health. The statement emphasises the vital role of community organisations in supporting Australians through the crisis, noting that Catholic social service organisations assist around 700,000 people each year, while the St Vincent de Paul Society provides about $50 million in emergency relief annually. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The Social Justice Statement is a powerful reminder that there are very real human consequences behind the statistics – and behind Labor’s cost of living crisis.” “It is unacceptable that, in a country as prosperous as Australia, households are skipping meals or unable to keep a roof over their heads because they simply cannot afford it.” “In large part, this is a result of the Albanese Government’s economic mismanagement, which has seen inflation and interest rates stay higher for longer.” “The Statement is one of a number of recent reports that confirm frontline organisations are facing unprecedented demand supporting struggling Australians.” “Charities across the country are raising the same alarm – the cost-of-living crisis is having serious effects across our communities and Labor must take urgent action to ease the pressure on them.”
With inflation still elevated after the Albanese Government failing to rein in spending, the Reserve Bank has again been forced to lift the cash rate by another 0.25 percentage points – adding yet more pressure on Australian households already struggling with rising mortgage repayments.
