The Cook Labor Government is refusing to reduce housing taxes during a cost-of-living and housing crisis ahead of their sneaky budget update on Monday, according to Shadow Treasurer and Housing Minister Steve Martin.

“Roger Cook and his Housing Minister are refusing to give housing tax relief to West Australians, in the lead up to their budget update, when they will continue raking in cash from WA’s biggest ever boom,” said Mr Martin.

“WA Labor sitting on piles of cash and refusing to reduce taxes for struggling West Australian families is another reason voters need to give Labor the boot in March 2025.

“We’ve seen the extraordinary reaction from WA Labor to suggestions they cut taxes to help families get into a home.

“In June, WA Labor ruled out stamp duty breaks for anyone wanting to downsize into a smaller home in the established market.

“Just a few weeks ago, they doubled down in response to the WA Liberals’ plan to offer over 60s a $20,000 downsizing rebate on stamp duty.

“With their sneaky Christmas mid-year review on Monday, we’ve heard there’s still no stamp duty relief for first home buyers, with the grinches in WA Labor describing the current concession as “generous” – even though almost no one benefits.

“Our plan will see first home buyers purchasing a home under $550,000 pay no stamp duty at all, saving up to $15,000, and a concessional rate up to $700,000 in value.

“That compares with the government’s rates of $450,000 and $600,000 respectively, which they only raised to even those levels in May.

“WA Labor have essentially said to the public, no thanks, we’ll bank that revenue and throw it onto the $10 billion Metronet bonfire blowout.

“Western Australians wanting tax relief on housing have a pretty clear choice ahead of them in March.”

2024-25 budget papers show a $987 million increase in total duty on transfers from 2024-25 to 2026-27, and a $161 million increase in land tax collection, due in part to stronger property market conditions and residential property values.