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WA Housing Crisis Rocks Cook Government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, March 2nd 2026 at 5:33 GMT by The West Australian
      Locale: AUSTRALIA

Perth, Western Australia - March 2nd, 2026 - The Western Australian Labor government, led by Premier Roger Cook, is facing a rapidly escalating crisis as voters overwhelmingly identify housing affordability and availability as the state's most pressing issue. A recent Roy Morgan survey reveals a significant shift in public concern, with 34% of West Australians now ranking housing as their number one priority, surpassing traditionally dominant concerns like the cost of living (23%) and healthcare (17%). This marks a pivotal moment, signaling potential electoral repercussions for the Cook government as the 2027 state election approaches.

The survey, conducted last week among a representative sample of 1029 West Australians, paints a grim picture of public sentiment. While the cost of living remains a substantial worry for many, the sheer volume of respondents prioritizing housing indicates the severity of the current situation in Perth. Experts suggest a confluence of factors are contributing to this crisis, including rapid population growth driven by interstate and international migration, a constrained supply of land, rising construction costs, and a shortage of skilled tradespeople.

Opposition parties are aggressively capitalizing on the growing public discontent. Liberal leader Libby Mettam has been particularly vocal, framing the housing shortage as a direct result of the previous McGowan government's policies and a failure to adequately plan for population growth. "This shows Mark McGowan's legacy is one of unaffordable housing for West Australians," Mettam stated in a press conference today. She emphasized the need for a fundamental overhaul of planning regulations to unlock land supply and incentivize private sector investment in housing development.

The declining approval ratings for the Cook government further underscore the seriousness of the issue. The Roy Morgan poll shows a sharp drop in public confidence, with only 39% of West Australians approving of the government's performance, down from 47% in February. This 8-percentage point decline in a single month is a worrying sign for Labor and suggests that their efforts to address the housing crisis are not resonating with voters.

Treasurer Paul Papalia, defending the government's position, asserts that a comprehensive plan is in place to increase housing supply. "We've got a plan to build more homes, and we are going to deliver," he assured the public. However, details of this plan remain vague, and critics argue it is insufficient to meet the escalating demand. The government's initiatives reportedly include streamlining the approval process for new developments and investing in social housing projects. However, the pace of construction has been slow, and the impact on affordability remains minimal.

Liberal shadow housing minister Joe Francis vehemently dismisses the government's plan as "woefully inadequate." "They've had years to deal with this, and they've just kicked the can down the road," Francis argued. He proposes a more radical approach, including releasing government-owned land for development, reducing red tape, and offering tax incentives to encourage private investment. The opposition is also advocating for greater density in appropriate areas and a review of zoning regulations.

The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 73% of West Australians perceive the housing market as 'expensive'. This widespread perception of unaffordability is fueling anxieties among potential homebuyers and renters alike. Rental vacancy rates in Perth remain stubbornly low, driving up rents and creating intense competition for available properties. First-home buyers are increasingly priced out of the market, while renters face limited options and soaring costs.

Beyond the political ramifications, the housing crisis is having a significant social and economic impact on Western Australia. Businesses are struggling to attract and retain staff due to the high cost of housing, impacting productivity and economic growth. Low-income earners and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, facing increased housing stress and the risk of homelessness.

Looking ahead, the Cook government faces a significant challenge in regaining public trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to solving the housing crisis. Analysts predict that the issue will dominate the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 state election. The government's ability to effectively address the housing shortage will likely determine its fate. The pressure is on to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results for West Australian voters.