The Western Australian Government is considering more hits on households as it tries to plug a major budget black hole.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Government had no choice but to look into hitting household budgets after the Liberal Party decided to kill off the proposed gold royalty hike.
"What the Liberals have done is let off a very, very profitable industry that is putting all the obligation onto households and families," Mr McGowan said.
"We have to look at all options now to deal with the shocking financial situation the Liberal Party left to us."
WA households already took a substantial hit with a $440 hike to fees and charges that took effect in July.
The increases to electricity, car licences, water, sewerage and public transport announced by the treasurer in this year's budget were expected to raise $238 million for the state over four years.
The proposed gold royalty hike was expected to raise about $400 million over four years and now the Government is scrambling to fill the shortfall.
Mr McGowan said to do that, the Government was not only looking at households, but a South Australian-style bank tax on bonds and deposits over $250,000.
"This is subject to active consideration now," Mr McGowan said.
"The bank tax could raise $800 million over four years so it is obviously something we are seriously considering."
The Opposition Leader Mike Nahan brushed off any responsibility if the block results in households bearing the burden.
"No, he's already hit households significantly, a 32 per cent increase in electricity over the forward estimates," Dr Nahan said.
"He needs to go out and look at his expenditure... he's spending the money."
More taxes on the table
The Government still has to get its payroll tax through Parliament.
The plan is to raise the payroll tax for companies paying employees between $100 million and $1.5 billion to 6 per cent, while those above that level will pay 6.5 per cent.
The measure, that will last five years, is expected to impact 1,300 WA businesses and raise $435 million over four years.
While Dr Nahan said the Liberal Party did not have a position on the measure yet, it seemed likely to support it.
"It would take a monumental effort for us not to approve the payroll tax," Dr Nahan said.
The Government is expected to introduce legislation to implement the payroll tax this week.
