Category Archives: Media Releases

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.”   ENDS *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  

SENATE INQUIRY INTO DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR

SENATOR DEAN SMITH LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 13 February 2026 SENATE INQUIRY INTO DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee has held a public hearing in Canberra as part of its inquiry into democracy and human rights in Myanmar. Senator Dean Smith secured Senate support to launch the inquiry in November 2025. It is specifically focused on the phased elections held in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, and the barriers preventing a return to an inclusive civilian democratic government in the country. The elections are considered a sham by much of the international community, aimed at preserving the power of the military junta that has controlled Myanmar since a 2017 coup. The inquiry received 34 submissions from Myanmar community groups, legal, religious and humanitarian organisations. Among the witnesses appearing were representatives of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Myanmar Research Centre at the Australian National University. Key themes raised during the public hearing included the use of intimidation and other tactics to influence the election outcome, suppression of efforts to promote the restoration of democracy and increased attacked on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Also highlighted was the urgent need to bring Australia’s sanctions regime in line with international partners in order to deliver a stronger response. A second hearing is scheduled for early next month and the inquiry is due to report on its findings by 31 March. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This inquiry is an important, multi-partisan effort to inform the Federal Parliament about this critical issue.” “The Australian Government has a responsibility to respond decisively and firmly to this humanitarian and political crisis, which also directly impacts on our regional security.”. I am very grateful to the many submitters and witnesses – building upon the findings from my recent visit to Malaysia and Thailand, where I met with Australian diplomats and UNHCR representatives about the situation in Myanmar and on the Thailand-Myanmar border.”

PERTH NOW LESS AFFORDABLE THAN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE AS RENTS SURGE 66 PER CENT

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 11 February 2026 PERTH NOW LESS AFFORDABLE THAN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE AS RENTS SURGE 66 PER CENT New data from Cotality’s latest Rental Review confirms Perth is now at the centre of the nation’s rental crisis, with Sydney and Melbourne offering more affordable rental suburbs than Western Australia’s capital. Rents in WA have surged 66 per cent over five years – the steepest increase anywhere in Australia, and 50 per cent higher than the national rise of 43.9 per cent. Over the same period, wages in WA have grown just 18.5 per cent. The result is unprecedented financial pressure on renters. Even with wage growth slightly above the national average, incomes have not come close to keeping pace with housing costs. Western Australians have less room in their budgets and fewer choices about where they live. Cotality’s data shows Perth’s cheapest suburbs now average $509 per week, compared with $376 in Melbourne’s most affordable and $472 in Sydney’s. Perth’s vacancy rate remains critically tight at 1.3 per cent, compared with 1.6 per cent in Melbourne and 2 per cent in Sydney. This crisis is being driven by Labor’s failure to deliver new housing supply. ABS housing construction data shows WA is now 4,500 homes behind its National Housing Accord target, with just 5,150 homes completed in the September quarter — down 11 per cent from the previous year and the lowest since the Accord began. It is the third straight quarter of falling completions, even as Perth’s median house price has passed $1 million. The supply shortfall is now directly feeding rental inflation. In Orelia, rents have surged by more than $190 a week — a 68 per cent increase since 2022 — pushing housing beyond the reach of many low-income earners.   COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SENATOR DEAN SMITH: “While wages in WA have grown just 18.5 per cent, rents have surged 66 per cent in five years — most of that under Federal Labor and all of it under WA Labor.” “This is the steepest rental increase in the country, 50 per cent higher than the national figure, and it is causing unprecedented pain for renters on Labor’s watch.” “This is the direct result of Labor’s failure to deliver housing supply and an unmodelled immigration policy that has pushed demand beyond what the market can absorb.” “When vacancy rates fall to 1.3 per cent, rents rise sharply, renters pay the price.” “Without urgent action to lift construction and cut red tape — the rental crisis in the West will only deepen.”

PERTH NOW LESS AFFORDABLE THAN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE AS RENTS SURGE 66 PER CENT

New data from Cotality’s latest Rental Review confirms Perth is now at the centre of the nation’s rental crisis, with Sydney and Melbourne offering more affordable rental suburbs than Western Australia’s capital.

SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE NOW MORE AFFORDABLE THAN PERTH FOR RENTERS

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 28 January 2026 SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE NOW MORE AFFORDABLE THAN PERTH FOR RENTERS New data has laid bare the depth of Perth’s rental crisis, with Sydney and Melbourne now offering more affordable rental suburbs than Western Australia’s capital. Latest figures from Cotality’s Rental Review show that Perth has fallen behind both Sydney and Melbourne when it comes to access to affordable rental housing, even at the bottom end of the market. This crisis is being driven by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments’ failure to deliver new housing supply. The latest ABS housing construction data confirms Western Australia is now 4,500 homes behind its National Housing Accord target, with just 5,150 homes completed in the September quarter — an 11 percent fall compared to the same period last year and the fewest quarterly completions since the Accord was agreed in mid-2024. It is the third consecutive quarter of declining completions, even as Perth’s median house price has surged past $1 million and population growth continues to accelerate. While housing completions fell in WA, the rest of the nation moved in the opposite direction, delivering around 10,000 more homes than a year earlier. The supply shortfall is now directly impacting the rental market. In Perth, the most affordable suburbs to rent a home range from $473 per week in Orelia to $540 in Kelmscott, with an average of $509 across the five most affordable suburbs. By comparison, Melbourne’s most affordable rental suburb, Melton South, averages $376 per week, with Sydney’s cheapest suburbs averaging $472. Despite a population of just 2.3 million, Perth now has less affordable rental options than Sydney or Melbourne. Perth’s rental vacancy rate sits at just 1.3 percent, compared with 1.6 percent in Melbourne and 2 percent in Sydney, highlighting the extreme pressure facing renters in the West. The pain is being felt most sharply in traditionally affordable suburbs. In Orelia, rents have surged by more than $190 a week — a 68 percent increase — since 2022, pushing housing well beyond the reach of low-income earners and people relying on income support such as JobSeeker.   COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SENATOR DEAN SMITH: “The WA rental crisis is now worse than Sydney and Melbourne, yet WA is moving backwards on home building — we are thousands of homes behind target under Labor, with home completions falling while the rest of the country increases supply.” “When WA builds just 5,150 homes in a quarter, the lowest since the Housing Accord began, it is no surprise vacancy rates have collapsed and rents have surged.” “This is the direct result of Labor’s failure to deliver housing supply, combined with unmodelled population growth that has pushed demand beyond what the market can absorb.” “When vacancy rates fall to 1.3 percent, rents rise sharply, renters lose bargaining power and the most vulnerable are pushed out.” “Without urgent action to lift construction, cut red tape and fix workforce shortages, Perth’s rental crisis will continue to deepen.”