Western Australia is expected to have another budget surplus as the state experiences a boom in commodity prices. Although it may not surpass last year’s $5.8 billion surplus, it is still expected to be the highest in the nation at around $2.5 billion. The government has already announced various spending measures for improving healthcare and housing shortages. Premier Mark McGowan has also alluded to initiatives supporting families with living costs. Thanks to increased royalties, strong domestic spending, higher GST revenues, and fiscal restraint, the state has repeatedly posted surpluses. However, the opposition is calling for meaningful cost-of-living support, particularly for vulnerable people struggling to make ends meet. The government has pledged $2.6 billion for homelessness measures over two years and gave $511 million to support social housing. Meanwhile, Shelter WA and WA Council of Social Service are requesting more action such as the re-introduction of a rent relief program. The budget will also allocate $1.2 billion for the first stage of public hospital upgrades and $420 million for mental health care.