The Hon. Lachlan Hunter, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food (WA), Media Release, 6 October 2025

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP has slammed the Cook Labor Government for their inadequate attempts to keep costs down for WA families attending the Perth Royal Show, resulting in plummeting attendance.

Figures revealed by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA today found just 300,000 people passed through the gates at Claremont Showgrounds in 2025, a decrease of over 130,000 showgoers since 2024, representing a more than 30 per cent drop.

“Like hundreds of thousands of WA families, I loved attending the Perth Royal Show this year, celebrating our important agricultural connection and enjoying a great day out,” Mr Hunter said.

“But the numbers don’t lie. This year’s Royal Show saw 139,000 fewer attendees than last year, with many families baulking at the high cost of entry.

“The 30 per cent decrease in attendees was noticeable as I walked around the Show, and many vendors also commented that their turnover was lower while costs for staff and stalls had increased.”

Mr Hunter said the dramatic decline in visitors was no surprise after Labor refused to back in affordable entry to the Royal Show until the eleventh hour.

“We called on the Cook Labor Government months ago to support WA families by funding free or discounted tickets to the Perth Royal Show, something both sides of Parliament have done in the past.

“With no support allocated in the State Budget, Labor hastily cobbled together a half-baked package just weeks before the show gates opened, but it fell well short of what was needed.”

Mr Hunter called on the Cook Labor Government to commit to supporting the Perth Royal Show with discounted tickets in the future.

“There are a range of ways the State Government could and should support WA families so they can continue to attend the Royal Show in future years – whether that’s free entry for kids, or half-price tickets for adults,” Mr Hunter said.

“The Nationals in Government supported thousands of WA families to enjoy the Royal Show by making tickets free for kids under 12, an initiative that helped over 200,000 families and dramatically boosted show attendance.”

Mr Hunter extended is thanks to the Royal Agricultural Society staff and volunteers who pulled out all the stops to make the 2025 Perth Royal Show an amazing experience.

“I enjoyed every moment I spent at the Royal Show, and the many happy families I saw and spoke with did to. Fireworks, drone shows, and plenty of free events and entertainment show the hard work from RASWA behind the scenes, but it hasn’t been matched with support from the State Government.

“This year’s attendance collapse should be a wake-up call. The Royal Show matters and it deserves real support.”