‘Mini tornado’ hits Perth hills

Good Morning and Welcome to Our Live News Blog

Good morning, readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Thursday, February 20. As the day unfolds, we’ll be bringing you the latest updates, breaking news, and in-depth analysis of the stories shaping Western Australia. From housing affordability to climate action, childcare struggles, and political pledges, today’s headlines are packed with issues that matter to you. Stay tuned as we dive into the key stories making waves across the state and beyond.

Stamp Duty: A Major Hurdle for Homebuyers in Western Australia

One of the biggest stories today is the release of a survey involving 15,000 West Australians, which highlights a significant barrier to purchasing homes: stamp duty. The survey reveals that this tax is particularly challenging for first-home buyers and downsizers, many of whom are struggling to enter or move within the housing market. The findings come as both the Labor and Liberal parties have made recent election pledges to increase the tax-free threshold for first-home buyers. Under the proposed changes, Labor has promised to raise the threshold to $500,000, while the Liberals aim for $550,000.

However, critics argue that these pledges fall short of addressing the real needs of homebuyers in Western Australia. With Perth’s median house price now exceeding $740,000, the proposed thresholds are widely seen as insufficient to make a meaningful difference. Many have criticized the measures as “a kick in the guts” for aspiring homebuyers, who continue to grapple with skyrocketing property prices and rising interest rates. The debate over stamp duty and housing affordability is sure to remain a hot topic in the lead-up to the election, as voters demand more comprehensive solutions to the crisis.

Childcare Deserts: A Growing Challenge for Families

In another concerning development, a new study has revealed that over 5,500 children across Western Australia are living in so-called “childcare deserts.” These regions are defined as areas where, for every three children requiring childcare, there is only one available spot. The shortage of affordable and accessible childcare options is placing immense pressure on families, particularly working parents who rely on these services to balance their professional and personal lives.

Advocates for early childhood education and care are sounding the alarm, urging policymakers to address the systemic issues driving this crisis. They argue that the lack of adequate childcare infrastructure not only burdens families but also has long-term consequences for children’s development and education. With demand for childcare services continuing to outstrip supply, the situation is likely to worsen unless meaningful action is taken. For now, many families are left to navigate a system that is increasingly unsustainable.

Climate Action: Athletes Step Up to Demand Change

In a bold move, over 100 Australian athletes, including Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce, are joining forces to call for stronger climate action. Pearce, a high-profile figure in Western Australian sport, is helping to lead the charge in this campaign, which seeks to hold the federal government accountable for its response to the climate crisis.

Pearce’s involvement in the campaign is deeply personal. As he explains, “When it comes down to it, I want tomorrow’s kids to have the same opportunity to fall in love with footy that I did. To not have games cancelled due to extreme weather, or be unable to train.” His club, the Fremantle Dockers, recently signed a two-year extension to their multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with Woodside Energy, a major player in the fossil fuel industry. This partnership has raised eyebrows among environmental advocates, who question the alignment of such sponsorships with the urgent need for climate action.

Despite these criticisms, Pearce and his fellow athletes remain committed to their cause. They are calling on the federal government to outline clear plans for addressing climate change, particularly in the context of its impact on sport and future generations. The campaign highlights the growing role of athletes as advocates for social and environmental causes, using their platforms to drive awareness and demand change.

Stay with Us for the Latest Updates

As the day progresses, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all these stories and more. From updates on the housing market and childcare shortages to the latest developments in the climate action campaign, we’ll bring you the breaking news as it happens. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, a parent struggling with childcare, or someone passionate about the environment, today’s headlines have something for everyone.

Thank you for joining us on this live news blog. We’re here to keep you informed, engaged, and up-to-date with the stories that shape our world. Stay connected!