1 min read

Reaction to the WA budget

The West Australian budget has returned to surplus after five years in the red, but there are complaints those doing it tough haven't been helped enough.
Premier Mark McGowan and Treasurer Ben Wyatt have returned the Western Australia budget to surplus. Credit: AAP

Reaction to the WA budget

The West Australian budget has returned to surplus after five years in the red, but there are complaints those doing it tough haven't been helped enough.

* WA Liberal Opposition: No relief for the record number of people looking for work, families in financial hardship or small businesses struggling under the state's weak domestic economy

* Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA: Pleased state finances are under repair, saving money on interest payments for debt, but small businesses should have got payroll tax relief

* Mining industry groups: Happy they weren't slugged, saying the budget gives certainty needed to continue investing in the state

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Download today

* Community and Public Sector Union: Industrial action is on the cards after the state government continued its policy to limit pay increases to $1000 a year

* WA Council of Social Services: Welcomed measures to get accused criminals out of remand, but complained even the small increase in energy prices would not help debt-laden, low-income households

* State School Teachers Union: Disappointed the total education budget only went up about one per cent, and the sole positive note was more cash for students with disabilities

* Moody's Investors Service: An earlier and higher surplus than previously budgeted will alleviate pressure on WA's debt burden, although it remains elevated and is the highest among the states

* S&P Global Ratings: Low government spending growth, which includes public sector pay, may be challenging, but feasible, to maintain through the medium term.