Western Australia Leads National Economy for Fourth Straight Quarter

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Western Australia has retained its title as the nation’s top-performing economy for the fourth consecutive quarter, according to the latest CommSec State of the States report. The state’s continued dominance in key indicators such as economic growth, retail spending, and construction activity underlines the strength of its resource-driven economy and disciplined fiscal management.

CommSec, a division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, measures each state and territory against its decade-average performance across eight key indicators, including unemployment, housing, population growth, and business investment. Western Australia (WA) has consistently outpaced the national average, driven by strong demand for its natural resources and a resilient business environment. Its export-led growth model has not only shielded it from broader national slowdowns but positioned it as a model of economic sustainability. In contrast, states overly reliant on stimulus and public-sector intervention are struggling to maintain momentum.

WA’s success speaks to the importance of free enterprise, competitive taxation, and minimal red tape in creating a strong and stable economy. Unlike other states where economic performance is increasingly tied to government handouts and short-term spending, WA continues to thrive on private sector initiative and global market engagement. Retail trade, population growth, and new housing construction remain well above the decade average, demonstrating real confidence among consumers and investors alike.

This latest report should serve as a wake-up call to federal policymakers. Instead of clinging to centralised economic management and overly bureaucratic programs, Australia needs a more regionally tailored, business-friendly approach that allows each state to play to its strengths. WA has proven what is possible when a government steps back and lets enterprise lead. While others debate reform, Western Australia delivers results. If Canberra is serious about restoring productivity and national growth, it would do well to take a page from the WA playbook.