- CommSec crowns Western Australia as the nation's 'best performing economy'
- WA has now topped the State of the States report for the third consecutive time
- Report shows WA leading the nation on five of eight economic metrics including labour market, retail and housing indicators
- State also leads the nation on economic momentum based on annual growth rates
- Report highlights Cook Government's focus on creating jobs, supporting businesses and keeping our economy strong
The WA Labor Government's strong focus on economic output, job creation, diversifying the economy and building more things in Western Australia has been highlighted once again, with the State named Australia's "best performing economy" in CommSec's latest State of the States report.
It marks the third consecutive report with Western Australia leading the nation, with CommSec stating WA had "cemented its position as Australia's top economic performer".
The State ranks first on five of eight economic indicators, including:
- retail spending, which was 11.5 per cent higher in the December quarter 2024 than the decade average;
- trend unemployment rate, the lowest of all States at just 3.5 per cent in March 2025, 32.1 per cent lower than the decade average;
- housing construction, with dwelling starts 10.4 per cent higher than the decade average in the December quarter 2024, and housing finance 43.2 higher per cent higher; and
- relative population growth, increasing by 2.5 per cent over the year to September 2024, 52.3 per cent higher than the previous decade average.
Reflecting sustained growth in business investment, WA jumped to second for spending on new plant and equipment (25.1 per cent higher than the decade average) while moving up the rankings on construction work to third (12.6 per cent higher than the decade average).
The CommSec report also places Western Australia first for economic momentum, with the State recording strongest annual growth rates for five of eight economic indicators.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This report confirms Western Australia continues to be the engine room of the national economy.
"We want to keep it that way by working closely with our resources industry, making more things here and diversifying our economy for the future.
"While we will continue to play our part in maintaining Australia's prosperity, we know some people are still being affected by global headwinds like inflation.
"That's why my government will remain focused on investing in health and building more houses while continuing to grow WA's economy.
"Already, building commencements are up in the December quarter - and my government will continue to build on that work and ensure every Western Australian has a home."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"The CommSec State of the States report released today highlights that Western Australia's economy continues to be the engine room of the nation.
"Despite global headwinds, including uncertainty caused by US tariffs, our economy remains resilient.
"The strong results reflect our ongoing focus on growing and diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and boosting local manufacturing.
"It's also significant to note that our measures to boost housing supply are working with dwelling construction starts and housing finance the strongest in the nation."
