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WA Budget Debate Heats Up Over Stamp Duty Relief

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. dget-debate-heats-up-over-stamp-duty-relief.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 8:48 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Perth, WA - February 15th, 2026 - The Western Australian government is bracing for a fierce budget debate this May, with the state Liberal opposition intensifying calls for substantial stamp duty relief. Led by Libby Mancell, the Liberals are framing stamp duty as a major contributor to the ongoing housing affordability crisis and a significant impediment to economic growth, putting considerable pressure on Treasurer Tony Burke as he prepares the 2026-27 state budget.

The current stamp duty rates in Western Australia have become a focal point of contention, particularly for first-home buyers and those seeking to upgrade their properties. Ms. Mancell argues the tax acts as a substantial barrier to entry into the housing market, effectively locking many West Australians out of homeownership. "Stamp duty is a significant cost, a crippling cost for many, and it directly exacerbates the affordability issues we are seeing across the state," she stated during a press conference earlier today. "The McGowan government needs to acknowledge the real-world impact this tax has on families and take decisive action to alleviate the burden."

Treasurer Burke has acknowledged the concerns, but remains cautious about committing to any changes. He emphasizes the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility while also hinting at a willingness to explore options. "We're always looking at ways to improve the lives of Western Australians, and the budget is, of course, a key mechanism for doing that. However, we must also balance that with the need to maintain a strong and sustainable financial position," Burke explained. Sources within the Treasury department suggest that revenue projections are currently tighter than in previous years, making significant tax cuts more challenging.

The Liberal party's proposal centers around a phased reduction of stamp duty over a four-year period, mirroring reforms successfully implemented in states like Victoria and New South Wales. This approach would involve a gradual decrease in stamp duty rates, allowing the government to adjust revenue forecasts and minimize potential budgetary shocks. Mancell believes this staged implementation is a pragmatic solution. "A phased approach provides a sensible pathway to reducing the burden on home buyers without causing immediate financial instability," she said. "It's about providing long-term relief and certainty for families."

However, the debate isn't simply about affordability; economists are increasingly pointing to stamp duty as a drag on the broader economy. The tax discourages property turnover, reducing activity in related industries such as construction, renovation, and real estate services. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a senior economist at the University of Western Australia, explains, "Stamp duty is an inefficient tax. It's a transaction tax that discourages people from making what would otherwise be economically rational decisions to move home or downsize. This has a ripple effect throughout the economy."

The push for stamp duty reform isn't new. For years, various stakeholders - including real estate industry groups and housing advocacy organizations - have lobbied for change. The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) has consistently argued that abolishing or significantly reducing stamp duty would stimulate the housing market and boost economic activity. REIWA President, David Copley, states, "The current stamp duty regime is outdated and unsustainable. It's time for the government to embrace a more modern and efficient revenue model."

The upcoming budget is expected to be particularly challenging, with the state grappling with a combination of factors including rising cost of living pressures, infrastructure demands, and the need to manage debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the government may be hesitant to make large-scale cuts to revenue, the political pressure from the Liberals and the growing economic arguments for reform are likely to force their hand. Many are predicting a compromise - potentially a targeted reduction in stamp duty for first-home buyers, or a modest phased reduction for all property transactions. The key question remains: will Treasurer Burke be able to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and addressing the critical issue of housing affordability?