WA Rent Relief program
Brief ministerial statement
Dr Tony Buti (Armadale—Minister for Commerce) (1:08 am): I rise to reaffirm the Cook Labor government's strong and unwavering commitment to supporting Western Australians who are doing it tough, with the announcement of a six-month extension to the highly successful WA Rent Relief program.
Launched in November 2023 as part of our $24.4 million cost-of-living package, this program has already delivered over $11 million in targeted, practical support to more than 2,480 households across the state. The program is more than just a financial safety net; it is a demonstration of Labor values in action: compassion, fairness and responsible government. That is why I recently announced that, in response to continuing demand and ongoing rental market pressures, the Cook Labor government will extend the WA Rent Relief program until 31 September 2025. This extension ensures that Western Australians in need can continue to access up to $5,000 per household to help meet rent arrears and secure ongoing tenancies.
Through trusted delivery partners Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, tenants also receive wraparound support, including financial counselling and tenancy assistance, helping people to regain control of their lives. The results speak for themselves. Thousands of families have remained housed and over 1,000 children have avoided the trauma of displacement. Sixty-five per cent of recipients are women, most of them single mothers, and a strong regional reach ensures that support is available in every corner of the state. Independent evaluation by the Centre for Social Impact confirms that 85% of recipients remain in stable housing six months after receiving support—a testament to the program's effectiveness and the government's foresight.
This is what good Labor government looks like—practical support delivered with care, guided by evidence and designed to meet people where they are. The Cook Labor government is taking real action to address cost-of-living pressures, and is delivering programs that make a real, positive difference in people's lives.
