The WA State Budget 2025 delivers a $1.4 billion economic stimulus to create a resilient and diverse Future Made in WA. At the centre of this initiative is the Strategic Industries Fund, which has received a $500 million boost, lifting the total value to $1 billion. This funding supports clean energy investment WA and development across strategic industrial sectors. Premier Roger Cook said the goal is to manufacture locally, power the state sustainably, and build on WA’s economic legacy. The fund is expected to unlock future investments across clean energy, critical minerals, and low-emissions industries that will shape the WA economy.
WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti delivered Labor’s ninth budget.
Local Manufacturing Funding to Drive Innovation and Jobs
The WA Government has allocated $209.4 million for local manufacturing funding, supporting electric bus assembly, ferry construction, and battery production. These investments align with the Future Made in WA vision to increase domestic manufacturing capacity and create skilled jobs. By enhancing supply chains and investing in infrastructure, the state is laying a foundation for high-value industrial development and regional economic strength. Local industries will benefit from procurement opportunities, while regional communities gain economic resilience through job creation. The government also aims to attract private co-investment in new manufacturing ventures that support green technology exports.
Budget allocation
Skills and Training Support Through TAFE Expansion
A further $331 million is allocated to skills and training initiatives, including the continuation of fee-free TAFE programs. This education support underpins the Future Made in WA strategy, ensuring that workers are equipped with the qualifications needed to support growing industries. Workforce development remains essential to WA’s competitiveness and the transition to a modern, clean economy. Funding also covers the construction and upgrade of TAFE facilities across the state, enhancing capacity and training quality. This strategic investment is expected to boost enrolments and provide thousands of Western Australians with access to high-demand qualifications aligned with clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
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Mining and Exploration Receive Targeted Support
The WA State Budget 2025 allocates $8.9 million to support the Exploration Incentive Scheme. This funding helps de-risk early-stage exploration in a volatile global market. Industry leaders welcomed the move, highlighting how doubling the EIS to $18 million sends a strong message of support. WA continues to lead in resource innovation and mineral discovery essential to clean energy investment WA. Minerals like lithium, rare earths, and nickel are vital for producing batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. By supporting exploration, the government ensures that WA remains a top-tier investment destination for the resources industry.
Infrastructure Investment to Power Clean Energy Transition
The budget includes $15 billion for utilities and infrastructure over four years, including $584 million for new transmission lines. These projects will power clean energy investment WA by connecting renewable energy sources to the grid. As part of the broader Future Made in WA initiative, these upgrades will ensure energy reliability and sustainability across the state. The investment supports renewable energy hubs, grid modernisation, and interconnection upgrades to meet surging electricity demand. Reliable infrastructure is critical for enabling industrial decarbonisation and attracting investors to energy-intensive manufacturing opportunities in WA.
Strong Royalties Revenue Underpins Continued Investment
WA’s seventh consecutive budget surplus is driven by robust royalties from gold and iron ore production. Over seven years, the state has collected $77.8 billion in royalties, demonstrating the strength of the resources sector. This revenue underpins the Future Made in WA strategy, supporting essential public investment without incurring debt. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA noted that these royalties now represent a key part of the government’s financial structure. These surpluses provide long-term certainty for major infrastructure commitments and strategic economic diversification initiatives.
Future Made in WA Strategy Builds on Economic Legacy
Premier Roger Cook emphasised the importance of continuing WA’s legacy by leveraging natural advantages and preparing for future global demand. The Future Made in WA strategy positions the state to lead in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and resource development. With targeted funding across strategic industries, the state builds an economy that is more diverse, more sustainable, and more prepared for long-term growth. This vision seeks to transform WA from a resource-dependent exporter to a value-adding industrial hub that exports technology, clean energy, and high-value products to global markets. The 2025–26 budget reflects a commitment to economic resilience, innovation, and jobs for generations to come.
