The Shadow Treasurer Dr Steve Thomas has welcomed a slight decline in the annual rise in the consumer price index in Perth from 7.6% to 7.4% as shown in figures released by the ABS today, but says that WA is still topping the nation in inflation.
“Perth’s CPI rose by 1.7% between the March and June quarters this year, which was just under the average for all capitals of 1.8%” Dr Thomas said.
“However, given our big jump in the March quarter we still have the highest year on year inflation of all capitals at 7.4%. The average across all cities was 6.1% which is 1.3% lower than the Perth measure.”
Only Brisbane came close to the Perth level, with a bigger 2.1% jump over the latest quarter giving it an annual inflation rate now of 7.3%. All other capitals had annual inflation less than 6.7%.
Nationally the annual CPI figure rose over the last quarter from 5.1% to 6.1%, while WA went down slightly from 7.6% to 7.4%.
“While I am glad to see a slight reduction, West Australians are well aware that prices are high and rising, and the impacts on household budgets are significant” Dr Thomas said.
“A State Government boasting about another $5.7 billion surplus should be aware of household pain and acting upon it.”
“Most importantly the Government should be minimising the rises it is pushing onto households in fees, charges and levies.”
“The Opposition recognised this months ago with our call on the 1st of May for the McGowan Government to freeze fees and charges.”
Dr Thomas said that the figures would obviously continue the pressure the Government is under on its wages policy given the rising inflation levels.
“The McGowan Government will have to justify its current wages position, including a reduction in real wages for many, to its own workers as it continues to amass a mountain of cash for its own benefit.” Dr Thomas said.
“It is sitting on more than $20 billion in surpluses over five years, so it can well and truly afford to give some back to struggling households.”