Regional WA to benefit from Labor’s $1 billion cost-of-living boost

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver sweeping cost-of-living relief for regional households as part of its $1 billion investment in programs which put money back in the pockets of WA families.
  • Strong economic management allows WA Labor to provide real relief for regional families
  • Cheap Transwa fares, Country Week Assistance and PATS expansion to slash costs
  • Commitment builds on investment of more than $1.1 billion in cost-of-living relief last year

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver sweeping cost-of-living relief for regional households as part of its $1 billion investment in programs which put money back in the pockets of WA families.

Key to this package is WA Labor’s commitment to permanently halve the cost of Transwa fares, saving regional travellers hundreds of dollars each year. The changes mean someone travelling between Kalgoorlie and Perth on the Prospector will save $100 on a return journey. The commitment will also support local economies by bringing additional tourism dollars into regional towns.

Families living in regional WA will also benefit from the Cook Labor Government’s new Country Week Assistance Program, slashing costs for students attending the popular events in Perth.

Country Week is a rite of passage for many young people, and the $8 million program will reduce the cost for parents by up to $500 per student.

In addition, pensioners will save $100 a year on fuel and taxi costs with WA Labor boosting the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card to $775. The commitment builds on a previous increase to the value of the card delivered in 2024.

The Cook Labor Government will also deliver an historic expansion of the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PATS), which supports tens of thousands of regional residents travelling for treatment each year. Under WA Labor, PATS will receive a $34 million boost, increasing the value of the fuel subsidy and expanding coverage to include allied health and dental services.

These targeted measures are on top of support being provided statewide, with regional residents eligible for the new round of the WA Student Assistance Payment, household battery rebates and free kindy.

The Cook Labor Government has delivered more than $1 billion in cost-of-living relief measures in the past year alone and will continue to deliver real savings if re-elected.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“We know regional residents face unique challenges when it comes to the cost-of-living, which is why we’re investing in targeted programs that will provide real relief."

“From half price Transwa fares, to the Country Week Assistance Program and our historic expansion of PATS, WA Labor’s $1 billion support package will ease pressure on the household budget."

“Our strong economy and responsible financial management mean we can provide these supports without leaving a mountain of debt for generations to come."

“Only WA Labor will do what’s right for regional Western Australians by investing in measures which put money back in the pockets of families.”

Back to media