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RBA RATE HIKE HITS WA MORTGAGE BELT

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 17 March 2026 RBA RATE HIKE HITS WA MORTGAGE BELT Today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to lift the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points will place even greater pressure on mortgage-holding families across Western Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs. New analysis commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library shows Western Australia features prominently among the suburbs most exposed to rising interest rates, with several Perth communities ranking among the top twenty locations nationally with the highest concentration of households paying a mortgage. Using the latest ABS Census data*, the analysis identifies the 20 suburbs across Australia where the largest share of homes are owned with a mortgage. At the top of the list nationally is Strathnairn in the ACT, where 85.4 per cent of homes are owned with a mortgage. Six Perth suburbs appear in the national top twenty, highlighting just how exposed Western Australia’s mortgage belt is to rising interest rates. Communities such as Brabham, Piara Waters, Byford, Landsdale, Harrisdale, Aveley and Carramar are home to thousands of young families who bought homes during the recent housing boom and are now bearing the full impact of rising repayments. Except for Flagstone (West)–New Beith and part of Clyde North–South, every suburb identified sits in a Federal Labor electorate, including several in the WA seats of Burt, Hasluck, Cowan and Pearce. The Parliamentary Library analysis also tracked changes in mortgage repayments between August 2021 and early 2026, a period largely under the Albanese Government. In Brabham–Henley Brook, the WA suburb highest on the list, median monthly mortgage repayments increased by $755 between August 2021 and January 2026, rising to $2,856 per month. With the Reserve Bank lifting the cash rate again today by 0.25 percentage points, repayments will rise further for households already facing significant financial pressure. The analysis also models the impact of additional increases. If three further rate rises of 25 basis points occurred, median monthly repayments in Brabham–Henley Brook would reach $3,011 by January 2027 — up $1,061 since August 2021. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of households now affected is likely significantly higher, reflecting strong population growth and new housing construction across Perth’s growth corridors. At the same time Australians are carrying larger mortgages than ever before, with ABS Lending Indicators showing the average home loan rose by $42,000 in the December quarter to $736,000. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Today’s interest rate rise will hit Western Australian mortgage holders particularly hard.” “Perth’s outer suburbs are ground zero for mortgage stress, with thousands of families already paying significantly more each month on their home loans.” “This data shows Western Australia’s mortgage belt is among the most exposed in the country to interest rate rises.” “The Reserve Bank has made clear inflation pressures remain, and unless the Albanese Government restores fiscal discipline to the Budget, families face the prospect of even higher repayments.” “For many Western Australian households, each rate rise means hundreds of dollars more every month going to the bank instead of their family budget.”

COMMUNITY SECTOR REPORT CONFIRMS COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES HITTING FAMILIES

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 9 March 2026 COMMUNITY SECTOR REPORT CONFIRMS COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES HITTING FAMILIES A major new report from 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. The QCOSS State of the Sector 2025 report found 81 percent of services experienced increased demand in the past year, while only 9 percent said they are always able to meet demand. Housing pressures are a key driver. The report notes some households are spending up to 49 percent 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. Community organisations report that more Australians who previously did not require assistance are now seeking help as the cost 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. The workforce is also under strain, with 46 percent of staff reporting pressure due to understaffing and 44 percent reporting emotional exhaustion. The findings highlight the growing pressures cost-of-living increases are placing on both households and the community sector.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith “Frontline organisations are telling us demand is rising rapidly while their capacity to respond is stretched.” “The QCOSS report shows only nine percent of services say they can always meet demand, while more than eighty per cent are seeing demand increase.” “When eighty percent of organisations say 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 families – it is placing growing pressure on the organisations working every day to support them.”

LABOR SEATS ACROSS AUSTRALIA ARE THE WORST AFFECTED BY ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S MORTGAGE PAIN

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 4 March 2026 LABOR SEATS ACROSS AUSTRALIA ARE THE WORST AFFECTED BY ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S MORTGAGE PAIN New analysis has identified the top twenty suburbs across Australia most likely to be impacted by the Albanese Government’s inflation crisis – and that almost all of them are in Labor-held electorates. The analysis of the most recent ABS Census data*, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, identifies those suburbs with the highest concentration of mortgages nationally. Strathnairn in the ACT topped the list, with 85.4 percent of homes owned with a mortgage. This was followed by the ACT’s Denman Prospect (78.2 percent); Brabham-Henley Brook in Perth’s north-east (75.5 percent); Melbourne’s Clyde North-South (73.8 percent); Piara Waters-Forrestdale in Perth’s south-east (72.7 percent), Googong in NSW (71.6 percent); and Flagstone West-New Beith outside of Brisbane (70.8 percent); Eynesbury-Exford near Melbourne (70.2 percent); and the suburbs of Taylor (70.0 percent), Throsby (69.4 percent), and Moncreiff (68.8 percent) in the ACT. Completing the list were Marsden Park-Shanes Park in western Sydney and Fraser Rise-Plumpton in Melbourne (both 68.6 percent); Byford, south-east of Perth (68.4 percent); Landsdale in Perth’s north-west (68.1 percent); Mickleham-Yuroke outside Melbourne (67.7 percent); Harrisdale in WA (67.2 percent); Box Hill-Nelson, northwest of Sydney (67.1 percent), Aveley in Perth’s north-east (67.0 percent); and – at number 20 – Carramar in Perth’s north-west (66 percent). Except for Flagstone (West)-New Beith and part of Clyde North-South, every other location on the list sits within a seat held by Federal Labor. This includes four suburbs in the ACT electorate of Fenner, three in Burt in WA, two suburbs in WA’s Hasluck, and one suburb each in the electorates of Bean, Holt, Eden-Monaro, Hawke, Chifley, Gorton, Cowan, Calwell, Greenway, and Pearce. Using the same Census data, the analysis tracks changes in mortgage repayments between August 2021 and February 2026, a period almost entirely under Labor Government. In Strathnairn for example, median monthly mortgage repayments increased by $848 between August 2021 and January 2026 to $3,039. Following the recent interest rate rise in February 2026, repayments rose by a further $84 – or $1,008 per year. The Reserve Bank of Australia has reinforced the link between Government spending and inflation, with Governor Michele Bullock this week flagging that a rate increase in May 2026 is a “live option”. Several leading economists have predicted up to four rate rises this year. The Census Data analysis projects what mortgage repayments would look like if a further three rate increases of 25 basis points each occurred. Median monthly repayments in Strathnairn would climb to $3,383 by January 2027, up a massive $1,192 from August 2021. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of households now affected will be significantly higher, reflecting strong population growth and new housing construction across metropolitan growth corridors. This pressure is compounded by the fact Australians are carrying larger mortgages than ever before. Recent ABS Lending Indicators data shows the average home loan increased by $42,000 in the December quarter to $736,000. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The Reserve Bank and economists are all advising there will be no interest rate relief in 2026.” “The unfolding crisis in the Middle East will have inflationary impacts and, by failing to address inflation sooner, the Albanese Government has left Australian households vulnerable to mortgage repayment increases through further inflation and interest rate rises.” “The data reveals that Labor voters will bear the cost of its inability to tame inflation and the interest rate rises that has led to.” “This data analysis confirms two things: The massive increase in mortgage repayments Australians are shouldering under the Albanese Government and that the households worst impacted are the same ones Labor was elected to represent.” “Cost of living issues will dominate the next Federal Election and Labor’s out of control spending and the inflation it fuels is hurting its own constituents.” “Unless the Albanese Government restores fiscal discipline to the Budget, the Reserve Bank has made it clear that further interest rate rises are likely throughout this year.” “This analysis reveals how dramatically each rate rise impacts the monthly repayments of Australian households – and the crippling pressure multiple increases in 2026 would put on them.”   *ABS Census, August 2021

AUSTRALIAN SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 4 March 2026 AUSTRALIAN SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED New analysis has identified the top twenty suburbs across Australia most likely to be impacted by the Albanese Government’s inflation crisis. The analysis of the most recent ABS Census data*, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, identifies those suburbs with the highest concentration of mortgages. Strathnairn in the ACT topped the list, with 85.4 percent of homes owned with a mortgage. It was followed by the ACT’s Denman Prospect (78.2 percent); Brabham-Henley Brook in Perth’s north-east (75 percent); Clyde North-South in Melbourne’s south-east (73.8 percent); Piara Waters-Forrestdale in Perth’s south-east (72.7 percent), Googong in NSW (71.6 percent); and Flagstone West-New Beith outside of Brisbane (70.8 percent); Eynesbury-Exford near Melbourne (70.2 percent); and the suburbs of Taylor (70.0 percent), Throsby (69.4 percent), and Moncreiff (68.8 percent) in the ACT. Completing the list were Marsden Park-Shanes in western Sydney and Fraser Rise-Plumpton in Melbourn (both 68.6 percent); Byford, south-east of Perth (68.4 percent); Landsdale in Perth’s north-west (68.1 percent); Mickleham-Yuroke outside Melbourne (67.7 percent); Harrisdale in WA (67.2); Box Hill-Nelson northwest of Sydney (67.1 percent), Aveley in Perth’s north-east (67.0 percent); and – at number 20 – Carramar in Perth’s north-west (66 percent). It is worth noting that, with the exception of one suburb in Brisbane, every location on the list sits within a Labor-held seat. This includes three suburbs in the WA electorate of Burt, three in Fenner in the ACT, two suburbs in both WA’s Hasluck and the ACT’s Canberra, and one suburb each in the electorates of Holt, Eden-Monaro, Hawke, Chifley, Gorton, Cowan, Calwell, Greenway, and Pearce. Using the same Census data, the analysis tracks changes in mortgage repayments between August 2021 and February 2026, a period almost entirely under Labor Government. In Strathnairn for example, median monthly mortgage repayments increased by $848 between August 2021 and January 2026 to $3,039. Following the recent interest rate rise in February 2026, repayments rose by a further $84 – or $1,008 per year. The Reserve Bank of Australia has reinforced the link between Government spending and inflation, warning that further rate rises will be necessary unless inflationary pressures ease. Several leading economists have predicted up to four rate rises in 2026. The Census Data analysis also projects what mortgage repayments would look like if this occurred – a further three rate increases of 25 basis points each. That would take median monthly repayments in Strathairn to $3,383 by January 2027, up a massive $1,192 from August 2021. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of households affected today is likely significantly higher, reflecting strong population growth and new housing construction across metropolitan growth corridors. This pressure is compounded by the fact Australians are carrying larger mortgages than ever before. Recent ABS Lending Indicators data shows the average home loan increased by $42,000 in the December quarter to $736,000, reflecting the continued surge in house prices. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This data analysis confirms two things: The massive increase in mortgage repayments Australians are shouldering under the Albanese Government and the fact that those who are worst impacted are the same people Labor was elected to represent.” “Cost of living issues will dominate the next Federal Election and Labor’s out of control spending and the inflation it is fuelling is hurting its own constituents.” “And the pain may continue through 2026, with the Reserve Bank making clear it will have no choice but to increase interest rates further if inflationary pressures do not ease.

WA SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 26 February 2026  WA SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED The top ten suburbs negatively impacted by 13 interest rate rises under the Albanese Government have been revealed. New analysis of ABS Census figures*, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, shows where mortgage pain is hitting hardest. Brabham–Henley Brook topped the list of homes owned with a mortgage at 75.5 percent, followed by Piara Waters–Forrestdale (72.7 percent), Byford (68.4 percent), Landsdale (68.1 percent) and Harrisdale (67.2 percent). Rounding out the list were Aveley (67 percent) Carramar (66 percent), Alkimos-Eglinton (64.6 percent), Casuarina–Wandi (64.1 percent) and Wellard–Bertram (61.3 percent). It is worth noting that these suburbs are located in the Labor-held seats of Burt, Hasluck, Brand, Cowan and Pearce – highlighting that the very communities Labor represents are among those most exposed to rising interest rates and mortgage stress. The analysis uses the most recent Census data on mortgaged homes and models repayment changes to include the February 2026 interest rate increase – and the potential effect of further increases. In Piara Waters-Forrestdale, for example, mortgage holders experienced a $785 increase in median monthly repayments between August 2021 and January 2026 – the majority of which Labor has been in Government. Between January and February 2026 alone, as a result of the recent RBA decision to raise interest rates, this jumped $78 a month, or $936 a year. In a warning sign of what might be to come, the RBA has confirmed the link between Government spending and inflation – and flagged further rate rises will be necessary unless Labor addresses inflationary pressures. If interest rates hypothetically increased 25 basis points in each remaining quarter of 2026, monthly mortgage repayments in Piara Waters-Forrestdale would climb by $240 – representing a whopping $2,880 annually. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of affected households today is likely significantly higher, reflecting population growth and new housing development across Perth’s outer metropolitan growth corridors. The impact is accentuated by the fact loans are larger, confirmed by recent ABS data that highlighted record loan sizes and deeper debt in WA. The average loan increased by $55,000 in the December quarter to $688,000, reflecting the relentless surge in house prices. In Western Australia, the value of finance for new home buyers jumped from $1.86 billion to $2.21 billion 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 in the nation, up 16 percent in the year to June 2025. And mean dwelling prices in WA climbed 4.5 percent, or $40,800, in the September quarter – again among the strongest increases in the country.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The next election will be won or lost on the cost of living and Labor’s failure to keep inflation in check.” “Many of those bearing the worst of the brunt are living in Labor-held electorates that are battleground seats for winning Federal Government.” This analysis, which goes beyond the percentages to reveal the actual financial impact on Western Australians, confirms those who are struggling to make ends meet under the Albanese Government are the people whose interests it was elected to represent.” “The Reserve Bank of Australia is acting responsibly where the Albanese Government won’t, making it clear that the latest rate rise was necessary due to Labor’s reckless spending.” “These figures also highlight the significant, additional mortgage pain that will hit Western Australian household budgets if market predictions of another three rate increases come to pass on Labor’s watch.”   *ABS Census, August 2021  

SUBURBS IN KEY LABOR SEATS AMONG THE WORST IMPACTED BY SKYROCKETING MORTGAGE STRESS

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 18 February 2026 SUBURBS IN KEY LABOR SEATS AMONG THE WORST IMPACTED BY SKYROCKETING MORTGAGE STRESS Mortgage holders in the battleground seats of Bullwinkel, Burt, Moore and Pearce are amongst the hardest hit by interest rate hikes under the Albanese Government – and there may be more to come. All four Western Australian seats are currently held by Labor. New analysis of ABS Census data, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, has revealed dollar cost of interest rate rises under the Albanese Government. The analysis uses the last available Census records* of the number of mortgaged homes and plots monthly repayments up to, and including, the recent rate increase – and if rates continue to rise throughout this year. Suburbs in Burt featured some of the highest rates of mortgage holders, with Piara Waters-Forrestdale topping the list at 72.7 percent. Carramar had the most mortgage holders in Pearce at 66 percent, in Moore it was Illuka-Burns Beach Moore at 57.7 percent and Gidgegannup led Bullwinkel with 52.4 percent. As the data spans the period between August 2021 and January 2026 – the majority of it under the Albanese Government and its 13 rate rises – it contrasts the effect on mortgage holders of Coalition and Labor-managed economies. In Piara-Water-Forrestdale, for example, mortgage holders experienced a $785 increase in median monthly repayments. Between January and February 2026 alone, this jumped $78 a month – or $938 a year – as a result of the latest interest rate rise. In a warning sign of what might be to come, the RBA has confirmed the link between government spending and inflation – and flagged further rate rises will be necessary unless Labor addresses inflationary pressures. If interest rates hypothetically increased 25 basis points in each quarter of 2026, one of which has already occurred, monthly mortgage repayments in Piara Waters-Forrestdale would climb by $318 a month – representing a whopping $3,819 annually. For mortgage holders in Illuka-Burns Beach that would be $5,203 more a year, in Gidgegannaup $4,331 and in Carramar $3,591. These numbers are a clear indication of the crippling financial toll, in the form of drastically increased mortgage repayments, that the Albanese Government has delivered its own electorates. And the fact that these projected figures are based on data from August 2021 means the number of affected mortgage holders in these Labor-held seats will generally be significantly larger – with thousands of additional residents now affected. This is accompanied by larger loans, confirmed by recent ABS data that highlighted record loan sizes and deeper debt in WA. The average loan increased by $55,000 in the December quarter to $688,000, reflecting the relentless surge in house prices. In Western Australia, the value of finance for new home buyers jumped from $1.86 billion to $2.21 billion 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 in the nation, up 16 percent in the year to June 2025. And mean dwelling prices in WA climbed 4.5 percent, or $40,800, in the September quarter – again among the strongest increases in the country. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This analysis goes beyond the percentages to reveal the actual financial impact on mortgage holders in WA under Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers – and the fact they are negatively impacting their own voters.” “Many of those bearing the worst of the brunt are living in Labor electorates, struggling to make ends meet under the Government meant to be representing their interests.” “The Reserve Bank of Australia is acting responsibly where the Albanese Government won’t, making it clear that the latest rate rise was necessary due to Labor’s reckless spending.” “These figures also reveal the significant, additional mortgage pain that will hit Western Australian household budgets if market predictions of another three rate increases come to pass.”   *ABS Census, August 2021 Top four suburbs by electorate, based on percentage of homes owned with a mortgage.   Seat Suburb % Homes with mortgage Median monthly repayment (Census August 2021) Median monthly repayment (January 2026) at 5.51% Increase from August 2021 to January 2026 (monthly) Median monthly repayment (February 2026) +0.25% Projected median monthly repayment (January 2027) +1.00% Increase from August 2021 to January 2027 – as projected (monthly) Burt Piara Waters-Forrestdale 72.7% $2,028 $2,813 $785 $2,891 $3,131 $1,103 Burt Byford 68.4% $1,914 $2,655 $741 $2,728 $2,955 $1,041 Burt Harrisdale 67.2% $2,000 $2,774 $774 $2,851 $3,088 $1,088 Pearce Carramar 66% $1,907 $2,645 $738 $2,718 $2,944 $1,037 Pearce Alkimos-Eglinton 64.6% $1,950 $2,705 $755 $2,790 $3,011 $1,061 Burt Seville Grove 59.9% $1,600 $2,219 $619 $2,281 $2,470 $870 Moore Iluka-Burns Beach 57.7% $2,763 $3,832 $1,069 $3,939 $4,266 $1,503 Pearce Yanchep 56.4% $1,842 $2,555 $713 $2,626 $2,844 $1,002 Pearce Hocking-Pearsall 56.2% $1,993 $2,764 $771 $2,841 $3,077 $1,084 Bullwinkel Gidgegannup 52.4% $2,300 $3,190 $890 $3,279 $3,551 $1,251 Bullwinkel Forrestfield-Wattle Grove 50.3% $1,800 $2,497 $697 $2,566 $2,779 $979 Bullwinkel Mount Nasura-Bedfordale 49.8% $2,000 $2,774 $774 $2,851 $3,088 $1,088 Moore Padbury 49.6% $2,000 $2,774 $774 $2,851 $3,088 $1,088 Moore Cragie-Beldon 49.3% $1,800 $2,497 $697 $2,566 $2,799 $999 Moore Woodvale 46.4% $2,167 $3,006 $839 $3,089 $3,346 $1,179 Bullwinkel High Wycombe 45.7% $1,733 $2,404 $671 $2,470 $2,676 $943 Source ABS/Federal Parliamentary Library

APPOINTMENT TO THE SHADOW MINISTRY

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 18 February 2026 APPOINTMENT TO THE SHADOW MINISTRY It is an honour to have been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister to the Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Assistant Minister for the Cost of Living by the Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor. These portfolios are at the heart of the challenges facing Australians, with cost-of-living pressures weighing heavily on households, small businesses and retirees across the country. Under the Albanese Government, Australians are experiencing sustained inflation, rising interest rates and escalating household costs. Despite repeated promises, the reality for many households has been higher mortgage repayments, skyrocketing rents, increased energy bills and growing financial uncertainty. Today, it was confirmed that real wages have fallen for the first time since September 2023. It is clear that restoring economic discipline and tackling the drivers of inflation must be a national priority. That means responsible government spending, policies that support productivity and growth, and a clear focus on easing pressure on household budgets. I look forward to working closely with the Shadow Treasurer and colleagues across the Coalition to hold Labor to account for its economic mismanagement and to develop practical policies that strengthen the economy and lift living standards. Western Australia plays a critical role in the national economy, and I will continue to ensure the perspectives of WA households, workers and businesses are strongly represented in the national debate. My new position is an opportunity to continue advocating for policies that restore confidence, reward aspiration and ensure Australians can once again feel secure about their economic future.

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

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 18 February 2026 ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING FAILURE DRIVES RECORD WA 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 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 percent) and Western Australia (+9.8 percent) — 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 $1.86 billion to $2.21 billion 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 in the year to June 2025. This is the highest in the nation. Mean dwelling prices in WA climbed 4.5 percent ($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 the Albanese Government’s failure to match population growth with housing supply, failure to meet its National Housing Accord targets, and failure 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 — Western 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: “The value of new home buyer lending in WA has jumped by more than $346 million in a single quarter – Labor’s housing failures are forcing Western Australians to take on record 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.” “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.”

LABOR SEATS DOMINATE WA SUBURBS WITH THE MOST MORTGAGE HOLDERS

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 18 February 2026 LABOR SEATS DOMINATE WA SUBURBS WITH THE MOST MORTGAGE HOLDERS Suburbs located in Labor-held federal electorates dominate the list of Western Australia’s top ten areas with the highest number of homes carrying a mortgage, exposing the scale of financial pressure facing households under the Albanese Government’s interest rate increases. New analysis of ABS Census data, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, shows the majority of the State’s top mortgage-heavy suburbs are located in the Labor seats of Burt, Hasluck, Brand, Cowan and Pearce. The data highlights that the very communities Labor represents are among those most exposed to rising interest rates and mortgage stress. Braham – Henley Brook in Hasluck topped the list, with 75.5 per cent of homes under mortgage. Burt suburbs also ranked prominently, including Piara Waters–Forrestdale (72.7 per cent), Harrisdale (67.2 per cent) and Byford (68.4 per cent, shared with Canning). In Pearce, Carramar (66 per cent) and Alkimos (64.6 per cent) recorded some of the highest mortgage concentrations, while Landsdale in Cowan ranked in the top five at 68.1 per cent. Two Brand suburbs also made the top ten — Casuarina–Wandi (64.1 per cent) and Wellard (West)–Bertram (61.3 per cent). The analysis uses the most recent Census data on mortgaged homes and models repayment changes through to the latest interest rate increase; with projections should further rate rises occur this year. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of affected households today is likely significantly higher, reflecting population growth and new housing development across Perth’s outer metropolitan growth corridors.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Labor-held seats dominate the list of suburbs with the most mortgage holders in Western Australia — which means Labor’s own communities are bearing the brunt of their economic mismanagement.” “These are families who did exactly what governments encourage — they worked hard, bought a home and took on a mortgage — and now they are paying the price for Labor’s inflationary spending.” “The Reserve Bank is being forced to do the heavy lifting because the Albanese Government refuses to control its spending, and interest rates are the consequence.” “What this analysis shows clearly is that mortgage stress is not an abstract national issue — it is hitting Labor-held communities in Western Australia hardest.” “And if market expectations of further rate rises prove correct, thousands more WA households — many in Labor electorates — will face even greater pressure on their family budgets.”   Source: ABS Census, August 2021 Top ten suburbs based on percentage of homes owned with a mortgage Seat Suburb % Homes with mortgage Median monthly repayment (Census August 2021) Median monthly repayment (January 2026) at 5.51% Increase from August 2021 to January 2026 (monthly) Median monthly repayment (February 2026) +0.25% Projected median monthly repayment (January 2027) +1.00% Increase from August 2021 to January 2027 – as projected (monthly) Hasluck Braham-Henley Brook 75.5% 1,950 $2,705 $755 $2,780 $3,011 $1,061 Burt Piara Waters-Forrestdale 72.7% $2,028 $2,813 $785 $2,891 $3,131 $1,103 Burt Byford 68.4% $1,914 $2,655 $741 $2,728 $2,955 $1,041 Cowan Landsdale 68.1% $2,167 $3,006 $839 $3,089 $3,346 $1,179 Burt Harrisdale 67.2% $2,000 $2,774 $774 $2,851 $3,088 $1,088 Hasluck Aveley 67.0% $1,950 $2,705 $755 $2,780 $3,011 $1,061 Pearce Carramar 66% $1,907 $2,645 $738 $2,718 $2,944 $1,037 Pearce Alkimos-Eglinton 64.6% $1,950 $2,705 $755 $2,790 $3,011 $1,061 Brand Casuarina – Wandi 64.1% $2,000 $2,774 $774 $2,851 $3,081 $1,081 Brand Wellard (West) – Bertram   61.3% $1,800 $2,497 $697 $2,566 $2,779 $979 Source ABS/Federal Parliamentary Library

SUBURBS IN KEY LABOR SEATS AMONG THE WORST IMPACTED BY SKYROCKETING MORTGAGE STRESS

SENATOR DEAN SMITH LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 16 February 2026 SUBURBS IN KEY LABOR SEATS AMONG THE WORST IMPACTED BY SKYROCKETING MORTGAGE STRESS Mortgage holders in the battleground seats of Bullwinkel, Burt, Moore and Pearce are amongst the hardest hit by interest rate hikes under the Albanese Government – and there may be more to come. All four Western Australian seats are currently held by Labor. New analysis of ABS Census data, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, has revealed dollar cost of interest rate rises under the Albanese Government. The analysis uses the last available Census records* of the number of mortgaged homes and plots monthly repayments up to, and including, the recent rate increase – and if rates continue to rise throughout this year. Suburbs in Burt featured some of the highest rates of mortgage holders, with Piara Waters-Forrestdale topping the list at 72.7 percent. Carramar had the most mortgage holders in Pearce at 66 percent, in Moore it was Illuka-Burns Beach Moore at 57.7 percent and Gidgegannup led Bullwinkel with 52.4 percent. As the data spans the period between August 2021 and January 2026 – the majority of it under the Albanese Government and its 13 rate rises – it contrasts the effect on mortgage holders of Coalition and Labor-managed economies. In Piara-Water-Forrestdale, for example, mortgage holders experienced a $785 increase in median monthly repayments. Between January and February 2026 alone, this jumped $78 a month – or $938 a year – as a result of the latest interest rate rise. In a warning sign of what might be to come, the RBA has confirmed the link between government spending and inflation, and flagged further rate rises will be necessary unless Labor addresses inflationary pressures. If interest rates hypothetically increased 25 basis points in each quarter of 2026, one of which has already occurred, monthly mortgage repayments in Piara Waters-Forrestdale would climb by $318 a month – representing a whopping $3,819 annually. For mortgage holders in Illuka-Burns Beach that would be $5,203 more a year, in Gidgegannaup $4,331 and in Carramar $3,591. These numbers are a clear indication of the crippling financial toll, in the form of drastically increased mortgage repayments, that the Albanese Government has delivered its own electorates. And the fact that these projected figures are based on data from August 2021 means the number of affected mortgage holders in these Labor-held seats will generally be significantly larger – with thousands of additional residents now affected.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This analysis goes beyond the percentages to reveal the actual financial impact on mortgage holders in WA under Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers – and the fact they are negatively impacting their own voters.” “The Reserve Bank of Australia is acting responsibly where the Albanese Government won’t, making it clear that the latest rate rise was necessary due to Labor’s reckless spending.” “These figures also reveal the significant, additional mortgage pain that will hit Western Australian household budgets if market predictions of another three rate increases come to pass.” *ABS Census 2021   Seat Suburb % Homes with mortgage Median monthly repayment (Census August 2021) Median monthly repayment (January 2026) at 5.51% Median monthly repayment (February 2026) +0.25% Projected median monthly repayment (February 2026) +1.00% Bullwinkel Gidgegannup 52.4% $2,300 $3,190 $3,279 $3,551 Bullwinkel Forrestfield-Wattle Grove 50.3% $1,800 $2,497 $2,566 $2,779 Bullwinkel Mount Nasura-Bedfordale 49.8% $2,000 $2,774 $2,851 $3,088 Bullwinkel High Wycombe 45.7% $1,733 $2,404 $2,470 $2,676 Burt Piara Waters-Forrestdale Burt Byford Burt Harrisdale Burt Seville Grove Moore Moore Moore Moore Pearce Pearce Pearce Pearce