WACOSS

Today, in its State Budget Submission, WACOSS is calling on the WA Government to develop a Targeted Cost of Living Rapid Response Strategy, led by a Cost of Living Minister, to urgently help Western Australians deal with the cost of survival. Link in comments.

"A fairer system would flatten processing fees across all payment options and extend direct concessions to low-income households, ensuring that access to a vehicle remains affordable for those who need it most."

One of the best parts about coming to Canberra for Parliament is meeting the incredible organisations working on the frontline to make people’s lives better.

A pleasure to meet with WACOSS this week to talk about WAs remote communities, food security, and how we create a stronger social sector.

We’re underway this morning at the Child Safe Project’s Every Conversation Matters: Building Child Safe Organisations in WA event, with moving opening remarks from City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin Mayor followed by calls from Project Manager Fiona Costello to take the conversations we have here today and turn them into action.

The WACOSS board visited Bunbury last week to connect with community service providers and learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing the South West.

We thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to hear directly from local organisations about the innovative ways they are supporting their communities, often in the face of growing demand and limited resources.

From housing and homelessness to workforce challenges and service delivery in regional areas, these conversations gave us important insights which will help us advocate for policies and investments to improve the lives of Western Australians.

A big thank you to the organisations and community leaders who generously shared their time, knowledge and experiences with us!

A great yarn by Kim Macdonald in today's The West Australian, following the release of the Priced Out report by Everybody's Home, which found - amongst other alarm bell-raising issues - that renting in WA has become so unaffordable that even earning $130,000 isn’t enough to make Perth’s rental market “affordable”.
You can find the full report here:https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2026-08/apo-nid335555.pdf
Make Renting Fair WA

Our call for a rent cap grows stronger every day. Even The West Australian is getting behind us - with this powerful opinion piece out today saying:

“It is time to recognise that we don’t live in an entirely free market anyway, and that the rental crisis is so far out of control that price caps are required — even if only as a temporary measure. The system is clearly broken when someone on a $130,000 annual salary- which is the top 10-15% of earners in Australia – struggles to pay the rent”

We know how hard renters in WA are doing - and we'd love to include your experience on unfair rent increases and what it's like to live in this hellscape in the huge report we are working on right now and will be releasing next month! Got five minutes? Have a vent here https://makerentingfairwa.org.au/take-action/renters-survey/

Being digitally included isn’t just about having access to technology - it’s also about having the skills and confidence to use it safely. 📱💻

This Scams Awareness Week, we’re highlighting a simple message that can help everyone navigate the digital world more safely:

🛑 STOP before you act.
🔎 CHECK that it’s really who they say they are.
🛡️ PROTECT yourself and others if something goes wrong.

Building scam awareness and online safety skills is an important part of digital inclusion. The more confident we are recognising and talking about scams, the better equipped we are to participate safely online.

And remember; anyone can be targeted by a scam. There’s no shame in asking for help or reporting what happened.

Think you’ve seen or experienced a scam? Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Dr Aunty Millie Penny AM

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Aunty Millie Penny AM.

Aunty Millie was a treasured member of the WACOSS family, one of our elders for nine years. She was a leader, advocate and friend. She gave so generously of her wisdom, guidance and support. Through her guidance, she helped us become a stronger organisation, deepening our understanding of culture and Aboriginal ways of being, and challenging us to listen and learn. She was a truth teller and challenged us to do better, be better.

A fierce and unwavering advocate for Aboriginal self-determination, Aunty Millie dedicated her life to creating a more just and equitable future for Aboriginal people and communities. Her leadership, courage and compassion earned her the respect and love of countless people across WA and beyond.

For many of us, Aunty Millie was much more than an adviser. She was a trusted friend whose kindness, honesty and wisdom shaped our work and touched our lives. Her legacy will continue to guide us and her influence will remain woven through everything we do.

We extend our deepest condolences to Fred, her family, friends, community and all those who loved and admired her.

Aunty Millie will be missed beyond words. We owe her so much and will remain forever grateful for the gift of her friendship, leadership and guidance.

May her spirit, her Wiran, rest in peace, and we have no doubt her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

From the board, staff and members of WACOSS

If your organisation works with children and young people, you need to be part of this conversation. You'll hear from the Office of the Ombudsman WA, the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA and prominent sector leaders about practical ways to strengthen child safe culture and prepare for the implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Registration details in the comments 👇
City of Stirling