Advocacy
Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis in Western Australia
Across WA, the rising cost of living is pushing more people into financial stress and deepening hardship for those already doing it tough. We’re working to change that.
We believe financial wellbeing is a right,
not a privilege.
We need a connected, coordinated, whole-of-system approach to address the causes and impacts of cost-of-living stress in WA. Our strategy reflects what a decade of collective work has taught us and calls on others to help build that future.
OUR SHARED GOAL
Reducing cost of living pressures for Western Australians
Everyone has the knowledge, support, and confidence to manage essential expenses, plan for the future, and maintain financial security despite rising costs.
TO MOVE FROM VISION TO ACTION, WE NEED:
Shared commitment. A coordinated plan. Strategic partnerships. Long-term funding.
Through collaboration, we can invest in proven models, support innovation, and combat cost-of-living and financial stress. But we must act now—and we must act together.
Free, independent education and support
Financial education, relief, and advice that’s accessible to all—regardless of income or circumstance.
Cohesive services with measurable impact
Connected, coordinated services that can demonstrate real change in people’s lives.
Place-based services
Support that meets people where they are—locally, culturally, and practically.
Destigmatisation of financial stress
A community where asking for help is normal, not shameful.
THE STRATEGY
Four functional pillars for lasting change
These pillars reflect the core areas where coordinated action can move individuals from crisis to capability. The services, tools, and focus areas within each pillar directly support financial capability and resilience.
PILLAR 1
Financial education
Embed financial literacy in schools, workplaces, and communities. Deliver practical, accessible education to help people understand money and
make informed choices.
PILLAR 2
Debt advice & relief
Provide free, independent support to manage debt, reduce financial stress, and regain financial control. Strengthen early intervention, debt support and emergency relief services.
PILLAR 3
Future financial focus
Build long-term capability through financial coaching, savings programs, goal-setting tools and advocacy. Encourage long-term future focused planning and retirement readiness.
PILLAR 4
Affordable credit & insurance
Ensure access to safe, ethical financial products and services to promote financial inclusion and resilience.
PILLAR 1
Financial education
Embed financial literacy in schools, workplaces, and communities. Deliver practical, accessible education to help people understand money and
make informed choices.
PILLAR 2
Debt advice & relief
Provide free, independent support to manage debt, reduce financial stress, and regain financial control. Strengthen early intervention, debt support and emergency relief services.
PILLAR 3
Future financial focus
Build long-term capability through financial coaching, savings programs, goal-setting tools and advocacy. Encourage long-term future focused planning and retirement readiness.
PILLAR 4
Affordable credit & insurance
Ensure access to safe, ethical financial products and services to promote financial inclusion and resilience.
HOW WE WORK
From prevention to system reform
Our strategy acts across the full continuum of need—so that we can reach people before they reach crisis point, and change the conditions that put them there in the first place.
1
Prevention
Stopping financial hardship before it starts through early education, accessible information, and proactive community supports.
2
Early Intervention
Supporting people as soon as they experience financial pressure—before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.
3
Crisis Support
Strengthening responses for people in acute financial distress, so no one has to navigate a crisis alone.
4
System Reform
Addressing the policies and structures that keep people trapped in hardship—because real change happens at a systemic level.
1
Prevention
Stopping financial hardship before it starts through early education, accessible information, and proactive community supports.
2
Early Intervention
Supporting people as soon as they experience financial pressure—before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.
3
Crisis Support
Strengthening responses for people in acute financial distress, so no one has to navigate a crisis alone.
4
System Reform
Addressing the policies and structures that keep people trapped in hardship—because real change happens at a systemic level.
THE ECOSYSTEM
A financial wellbeing ecosystem for WA
This ecosystem is a response to growing financial stress across our communities—driven by rising living costs, housing insecurity, and limited access to support.
It’s a network of interdependent contributors, each playing a unique role in enabling financial wellbeing. Success depends on shared goals, aligned strategies, and open communication.
Broad collaboration and coordinated action is required to move individuals from crisis to capability. We’re calling on all key stakeholders to play their part.
Ecosystem contributors
To move from vision to action we need:
- Shared commitment to prevention, innovation, and measurable impact
- A clear, coordinated plan to guide collective action
- Strategic partnerships with government, industry, and measurable impact
- Long-term, secure funding to deliver and grow services sustainably
Commonwealth Government
Policy, legislation, and national funding frameworks that shape financial wellbeing outcomes.
State & Territory Government
Local policy, concessions, service commissioning, and cross-sector coordination.
Academia
Research, evaluation, and evidence generation to inform effective practice and policy.
Financial Service Providers
Safe, ethical products and services that support inclusion and reduce vulnerability.
Community Services
Frontline support, crisis response, and place-based connection to those in need.
Employers
Workplace financial wellbeing programs, fair wages, and support for financially stressed employees.
Ecosystem contributors
Commonwealth Government
State & Territory Government
Academia
Financial Service Providers
Community Services
Employers
Download the Cost of Living Strategy
For a full overview of the challenges and recommended actions, including the financial wellbeing ecosystem framework and our four functional pillars, download the complete strategy document.