The Western Australian Government has committed $1.4 billion in its 2025–26 State Budget to secure a stronger, more diversified economy.
At the centre of the investment is a $500 million expansion of the Strategic Industries Fund, bringing its value to $1 billion and supporting major industrial and clean energy projects across the state.
“Our economy has been made strong through the hard work of generations of Western Australians,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.
“We want to build on that record, make more things here, power WA on clean energy, supply the materials required for the world’s clean energy transition, and diversify our economy by leveraging our existing strengths.”
The Budget includes $209.4 million to boost local manufacturing, with funding for electric buses, battery production and ferry construction, as well as $331 million for TAFE and training initiatives, including an extension of the popular fee-free TAFE program.
WA’s mining and resources sector features prominently, with $8.9 million to support the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS).
“In a challenging investment market and with global uncertainty this funding will assist the work of our explorers, leading to new discoveries,” Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive officer Warren Pearce said.
“Doubling EIS funding to $18 million sends a powerful signal that the (WA) Government understands the high risk, high reward nature of exploration.”
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) praised the budget for delivering a seventh consecutive surplus, driven by strong gold and iron ore royalties.
“The $77.8 billion in royalty payments over the past seven years is enough to build Optus Stadium 48 times over,” CME head of economics Aaron Walker said.
Walker also welcomed the $15 billion allocated to utilities and infrastructure over four years, including $584 million for new transmission lines to power WA’s clean energy transition.
“Royalties are now firmly entrenched as a critical revenue stream for the WA Government,” Walker said.
