Vital to the functions of many regional communities, Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) is a program administered by the Department of Communities.

Yet under Labor’s watch, the number of available GROH properties has declined, exacerbating housing shortages in these communities.

As of June 2023, there were fewer GROH homes than when Labor came to power in 2017.

Despite a sluggish increase to just 58 more homes by March 2024, this equates to a pitiful average of just over half a house per month, hardly a serious effort to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, the availability of private rental housing in regional WA has plummeted by nearly two-thirds, making it even harder for government workers and long-term residents to find a home.

While regional WA faces an ongoing housing crisis, Labor’s neglect of the GROH program has left essential services at risk.

Instead of taking decisive action to ensure safe and secure housing for key workers, the Cook Labor Government has allowed the problem to worsen, failing both regional communities and the government employees who serve them.

The WA Liberals know regional Western Australia has suffered from a lack of investment for too long.

When police, teachers, or healthcare professionals cannot secure accommodation, whether through GROH or private rentals, it doesn’t just mean a lost opportunity for them; it means regional communities are left without the critical services they rely on.

At a time when accessing essential services in regional WA is becoming increasingly difficult, ensuring that vital workers have a place to live has never been more urgent.

We will make this a priority, guaranteeing that regional and remote communities get the support they deserve.

Only a WA Liberal Government will prioritise it.

The WA Liberals believe regional Western Australia deserves a long-term, strategic plan to ensure essential workers are available for generations to come.

When workers cannot access GROH in regional communities, it forces them to access regular rental options, which is not only impractical in a housing crisis, but removes options for non-government workers.

GROH exists to provide housing security for essential government workers, and it requires responsible management and forward planning to ensure they are always supported in their efforts to serve regional communities.

That’s why a WA Liberal Government will commit $100 million over three years from 2025-26 to boost funding beyond what is currently allocated over the next four years.

This investment will deliver more than 100 new homes, ensuring that frontline workers, such as police and teachers, have a place to live while restoring critical regional services.

These homes will be built in direct consultation with key client agencies, such as WA Police and the Department of Education, to ensure investment is targeted where service delivery needs are greatest.

Properly funding GROH is essential to relieving pressure on the regional housing market and rebuilding the vital services that have been neglected under Labor.

Western Australians in regional communities deserve a government that invests in their future and guarantees access to critical public services.

Only a WA Liberal Government has a commonsense plan to deliver the housing and services that regional WA needs.