In an effort to reduce rising living costs, Western Australians will receive a $400 discount on their power bill in Thursday’s State Budget.
Premier Mark McGowan and the Treasurer are expected to present the budget on Thursday.
It will include a payment of up to $1 million for more than one million individuals to pay their electricity bills according to The West Australian.
In addition, the government expects to receive a record $5.6 billion in 2020/21, thanks to its massive operating budget surplus, which is projected to be more than $7 billion.
“Every other state in Australia is in deficit and racking up big debt bills … we’re doing the opposite … and that gives room to do more in terms of cost of living,” McGowan told reporters.
The Premier announced his second Budget, which was focused on lowering costs of living, diversifying the economy, paying off debt, and increasing funding for Western Australia’s underfunded health system.
“We have capacity to help people during this difficult time, and we’re not going to borrow money to achieve this outcome.
“The Commonwealth Government and other State governments borrow money in order to give people cost of living relief, which just means that in future years it has to be paid back.
“Ours will be funded from the surplus, so we will still pay down debt (dropping below $30 billion this year) whilst making sure cost of living is a focus.”