Winner and losers from the WA budget

West Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt has handed down his third budget, providing relief for households, but not everyone is a winner.

WINNERS:

* Household fees and charges: An average increase of $127.77 per year for utilities and other fees, a significant drop from $292 last year and the lowest rise in 13 years

* Transport: Delivering on an election promise, with $4.1 billion ($1.2 billion this year) allocated for Metronet over four years, including six rail projects being planned or under construction

* Palliative care: A $41 million package, including a 38-bed residential aged and palliative care facility in Carnarvon

* Education: $22.1 billion over four years, including nine new primary schools by 2021 and other upgrades

LOSERS:

* Public sector wages policy: A $1000 a year cap on wage increases was announced in 2017 and the government says it is sticking to the plan despite pressure from unions.

* Housing: Only a temporary six-month increase to Keystart first home buyers income limits ($15,000 for singles and $20,000 for families).

* Payroll tax: No change but an additional $182.4 million will be spent over four years to stimulate apprenticeship and traineeship growth

* Ride Sharing: New fees for people using Uber and other ride-sharing services.


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Source: AAP


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