No, Western Australia (WA) is not currently separating from Australia, though secessionist sentiment, often called "WAxit," periodically surfaces due to feelings of isolation and financial inequity (like GST revenue). While a 1933 referendum showed majority support for secession, the British Parliament rejected the petition, and today, most West Australians still prefer to remain in the federation, despite ongoing debates.
Interestingly, it has been attempted before! In 1933, Western Australia held a state referendum to secede from Australia. The majority of Western Australians voted 'yes' and a petition of secession was sent to the British Parliament. The British Parliament decided it did not have the power to grant secession.
Closing the Gap is underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved.
Net debt is currently $30.1 billion - and despite $62 billion of asset investment over the last eight years - it remains lower than when the WA Labor Government came to office. When the Labor Government came to office in 2017, net debt to Gross State Product was the highest in the nation at 13.8 per cent and climbing.
Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain are among the most popular choices for Australian expats. While the weather in many of these countries may take some getting used to, their fascinating histories, unique cultures, and friendly citizens will more than make up for it!
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
While exact real-time figures vary, estimates from around 2025 suggest approximately 400,000 to over 500,000 Australians held over $1 million in superannuation, with about 2.5% of the population reaching this milestone as of mid-2021, a figure that has likely grown with strong investment returns, though many more hold significant balances and millions are projected to reach this goal by retirement, especially men.
The worst performing states are Tasmania, with incomes 26% below the national income and wealth average, as well as South Australia which is 19% below the average household income and 20% below the national net wealth.
Victoria currently has the highest total state debt in Australia in nominal terms, with projections showing it surpassing $194 billion, making it the most indebted state by absolute value and per capita, though the Northern Territory has the highest debt per person when population size is considered. Debt levels in Victoria are driven by significant infrastructure spending and past pandemic-related costs, leading to concerns about its financial position.
Yes, Western Australia (WA) is widely considered Australia's richest state, consistently leading national economic performance rankings due to its massive resources sector (iron ore, gas, gold), strong export contribution (nearly half of Australia's total), robust job market, and significant budget surpluses, making it the nation's economic powerhouse for the last several years.
No, standard Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker, Age Pension, etc.) are the same for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians with identical circumstances, but Indigenous Australians have access to specific, targeted programs and extra support, like enhanced child care subsidies and dedicated services, that can provide additional financial or service benefits.
The sad news is you're going to need some brand new whimsical ambitions, because it's illegal to stockpile more than 50 kilograms of potatoes in Western Australia.
The top 10 issues Australians say are the most concerning
What Is WA's State Nominated Migration Program? WA's SNMP lets the WA Government nominate skilled workers to increase their chances of receiving permanent resident visas. Specifically: Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: A permanent visa nomination allowing you to live and work anywhere in WA.
As in Canada, the British monarch remains the monarch of Australia, which is now an independent, democratic nation with a tradition of religious tolerance and free speech. Minority parties often hold the balance of power in the Senate, which serves as a chamber of review for the decisions of the government.
The most common nickname for Western Australians (West Aussies) is Sandgroper, derived from a native insect that burrows in the sand, reflecting the state's large desert areas and coastal sands, with variations like Westie or simply referring to them as being from "West Oz" also used.
Victoria is now the highest taxed State or Territory in Australia for property taxes.
Yes, Australia is facing significant financial challenges, with many households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, high interest rates, slowing economic growth, and rising government debt, leading to declining living standards despite the economy not being in official recession. Key issues include soaring housing and essential costs, stagnant real wages, weakening productivity, and increasing state and federal debt levels, creating a "gentle decline" where many feel financially squeezed.
With $497 billion in liabilities, California had the largest state government debt as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year, the most recent year for which complete data are available.
Firstly, the unhappiest city in Australia is Darwin. About 23. 4% of the population here is experiencing anxiety.
A low income in Australia varies, but generally involves earning below the median (around $1,425/week in Aug 2025) or below specific government thresholds, like the $948/week ($24,95/hr) National Minimum Wage (as of July 2025) for full-time work, with lower thresholds applying for benefits like the Low Income Health Care Card (around $800/week for singles). For tax purposes, incomes under $37,500-$45,000 might qualify for offsets, while affordable housing eligibility depends heavily on household size, with singles needing under $52,100 annually for low-cost options.
Tennant Creek is consistently ranked as one of the most disadvantaged and dangerous towns in Australia. In 2017, the estimated homicide rate in Tennant Creek per 100,000 people was 59.6, which was over 11 times as high as the same statistic for the United States as a whole.
The Super Consumers Australia guide
It assumes you'll own your home and won't be paying rent or mortgage repayments once you've retired. The guide estimates a 'medium' lifestyle will cost a couple who are already retired about $60,000 per year (with a required super balance at retirement of $371,000).
The top ten financial mistakes most people make after retirement are:
A wealthy retiree in Australia generally has over $1 million in investable assets (excluding the family home), but for a truly high-net-worth individual, this can extend to $5 million or much more, allowing for a very comfortable lifestyle with significant income, travel, and assets, well beyond the ASFA "comfortable" benchmark (around $595k single/$690k couple for basic needs) and often without relying on the Age Pension, notes.