WA State Budget

When will our wealth go to those who need it?

Released on Thursday, 7 May 2026, the WA State Budget sets out how the state of WA's finances, where it will spend its money, and what changes they'll be making for the next financial year. Sound complicated? Don't worry, we've done the hard work analysing it. 

The 2026-27 State Budget showed the WA Government has clear priorities, continuing to talk about its investment in jobs, health and housing. Amid rising inflation and a fuel security crisis, cost-of-living emerged as a key word from the WA Government's promotion of the budget, claiming over $1 billion in cost-of-living measures, including: 

• $198m Fuel Support Payment – $100 to all WA licensed drivers 
• $13.5m WA Rent Relief Program extended to June 2027 
• $46.3m foster and grandparent carers boost, including a new Gold Card and foster carer subsidy increase
• $89.5m WA Student Assistance Payment – $150 for each primary student, $250 each for secondary 

However, while these investments are welcomed, more serious action is needed to help those doing it tough. Many investments flagged as cost-of-living initiatives were unfortunately not accessible to those in need (such as concession cards). 

Anglicare WA continues to call on the WA Government to expand WA's social safety net to do what it was set up to do: provide meaningful support. Investment in financial counselling, emergency relief, and services for those experiencing homelessness are some of the areas that were missing in the State Budget.  

Federal Tax Reform

For the Future

Last month, the Federal Government announced a suite of tax reform policies, intended to even the playing field for younger Australians. For an issue as dry as tax reform, the debate has been heated. So, what's happening?  

The Federal Government announced a range of reforms, but debate has focused closely on two of them: ending the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount and limiting negative gearing.  

These changes both apply to income from owning assets, as opposed to earning an income through wages. Most of the conversation around these has focused on how they apply to housing.  

WHAT'S CHANGING?

• The CGT discount will be replaced with a new discount based on inflation, with a 30 per cent minimum tax on gains. 
• Negative gearing will be limited to new builds. 

Both changes apply from 1 July 2027. Negative gearing will be 'grandparented' – meaning assets owned before the budget can continue to be negatively geared. The CGT discount changes apply to gains made after 1 July 2027. 

The Federal Government has stated these changes will make housing more affordable for younger generations over time by taking heat out of the market and encouraging investors to focus on increasing the supply of housing. These changes are positive steps forward to creating a fairer tax system and addressing Australia's housing crisis. 

Standing Up
Against Racism

Anglicare WA has made a formal submission to the Inquiry into Racism, Hate, and Violence Directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to Amplifying Aboriginal Recognition and Justice under our Strategy 2030.  

To develop the submission, we spoke with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across the organisation. Through structured conversations and internal consultation, Aboriginal staff shared insights about their experiences of racism, the way racism manifests within systems and services, and how these experiences cause real harm to people's wellbeing. Our focus was to ensure the voices of Aboriginal people meaningfully shaped the submission and remained at the centre of our advocacy on this issue. 

The submission highlights the urgent need for commissioning reform across government-funded services. Anglicare WA emphasised that current commissioning and procurement models often fail to adequately support Aboriginal-led organisations or embed cultural safety requirements. Reform is needed to ensure funding structures are flexible, long-term, and genuinely enable Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to lead responses for their own communities. 

Stronger, more accountable anti-racism measures were also a key focus. Anglicare WA called for anti-racism to be embedded at every level of service design and delivery, supported by clear standards, reporting mechanisms, and consequences where racism occurs.  

The submission recognises that racism, hate, and violence against Aboriginal people are not isolated issues, but connected to ongoing policies and systems. Ending racism requires us all to play our part – including calling out racism, advocating for change, and creating genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people. 

As Emma Garlett, Chair of Anglicare WA's Aboriginal Advisory Group stated, “Eliminating racial hatred is not a standalone issue; it is deeply connected to the broader struggles for equity, housing security, and social justice.” 

Impact Report Launch & Donor Event 

Celebrating 50 Years of Shared Impact

In May, Anglicare WA welcomed partners and supporters to Scarborough's Rendezvous, for a warm and reflective Impact Report Launch, marking an incredible milestone – 50 years of Anglicare WA.  

The morning brought together our community for a moment of connection, recognising the real and meaningful impact made over the past year. All made possible through the generosity, care and commitment of supporters like you. Guests were guided through a storyboard journey across five decades, showcasing:  

• Evolution of our services and support   
• Powerful stories of impact and resilience  
• Partnerships that have helped shape our work  

It was both a celebration and a reflection, honouring the people and organisations who have stood alongside Western Australians, helping create pathways to thrive.  

Every milestone we celebrate is powered by partnership; your support helps turn impact into lasting change across WA.  

Here’s to the next 50 years of shared impact.