About $10,790 of state debt for every West Australian, and rising.
WA’s net debt was $33.4 billion at 30 June 2026 and is forecast to reach $44.7 billion by 2029, the highest ever in dollar terms.
Interest on State borrowings is forecast to reach $3.49 billion in 2029–30, roughly double 2016–17. Every dollar spent on interest is a dollar not spent on services or tax cuts.
WA paid debt down in the boom. A better way is to do it again.
What we’d do
- Cap debt in law, in line with the national platform’s cap of 60% of assets.
- Put surplus royalties towards repaying debt before any new spending.