The Hon. Shane Love, Leader of the Nationals WA, Media Release, 8 May 2026
Leader of the Nationals WA Shane Love MLA says Regional Western Australia has once again been left behind, with the State Budget delivering more disappointment for communities that generate the wealth of the nation.
“Regional WA has been short-changed, yet again, by WA Labor,” Mr Love said.
“This is Labor’s tenth budget, and the pattern is clear — the piggy bank that is Regional WA has been raided once again.”
Mr Love said the budget fails to recognise the critical role regional communities play in driving the State and national economy, while returning only a fraction of that wealth back into the regions.
“Regional WA is the powerhouse of our state and our nation, yet only a miniscule amount of the wealth generated in the bush is reinvested where it is created,” he said.
“Since I stood here a year ago, things have gone from bad to worse — and it’s the same issues, only more severe.”
Mr Love said the situation is being compounded by cuts to essential services and industries that underpin regional communities.
“We are seeing primary industries that support entire communities being shut down, from fishing to the live sheep trade. At the same time, housing is increasingly out of reach, people are waiting years for specialist healthcare or being forced to travel to Perth, and crime and violent assaults are on the rise.”
Mr Love also criticised the Government’s spending priorities, pointing to major cost blowouts on metropolitan projects.
“All of this is happening while Labor presses ahead with its Burswood racetrack project. Labor has already spent $104 million just clearing the land, I’m not sure how they’re going to build the whole thing with the $217 million allocated.
“Just imagine what that money could deliver for regional WA — better hospitals, more housing, improved roads and stronger local services.”
Mr Love said the continued erosion of the Royalties for Regions program was further proof that Labor is taking money away from the bush.
“Labor is gutting Royalties for Regions and diverting funding away from the communities that need it most,” he said.
“We are seeing hundreds of millions of dollars that should be spent in regional communities instead being funnelled into Labor’s pet projects.”
Mr Love reaffirmed The Nationals WA’s commitment to restoring the program to its original intent.
“Royalties for Regions was created to build stronger regional communities, for a stronger Western Australia — it must be restored so regional wealth once again delivers lasting benefits for the whole State, not just plugs holes in Labor’s budget.” he said.
Related stories: WA Budget 2026-27
