Mornings with Simon Beaumont - Highlights

Property Council WA Executive Director Nicola Brichetto revealed the state is falling significantly short of its housing targets, building only 4,441 homes in the last quarter instead of the required 6,500. This massive shortfall is being driven by a "perfect storm" of labour shortages and rising material costs linked to international fuel supply issues.

13-year-old Sebastian from Adelaide shared his deep concerns about being permanently locked out of the housing market, using statistical projections to show how drastically home prices are outpacing wages. He ended the interview with a stark warning to politicians that his generation will be voting soon, urging listeners to sign his petition to end negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts.

A growing homeless camp of around 40 everyday Australians has formed on Memorial Drive in Rockingham due to the severe rental crisis. Local councillor Peter Hudson is urging the state government to open nearby, largely vacant recreation camps to provide these vulnerable individuals with immediate shelter.

Fremantle Mayor Ben Lauber joined Simon Beaumont to reveal the council is pushing to amend local planning laws to require public consultation and council approval for new convenience stores in the CBD. The proposed changes aim to curb the rapid influx of these shops - some linked to illicit tobacco sale - while also touching on a new Hungry Jack's development and the local AFL team's recent win.

WA Farmers Federation President Steve McGuire joined Simon Beaumont to discuss the ongoing government roundtables working to secure reliable diesel supplies for regional Western Australia. He notes that while fuel access is improving, farmers are now anxiously awaiting a global ceasefire to release massive shipments of critical fertilisers trapped in the Gulf.

Simon Beaumont speaks with a caller named Julie about the struggles her Italian parents face following back-to-back bank branch closures in their area. The discussion revealed the emotional and practical toll that corporate pushes for online banking take on aging migrant communities who rely heavily on trusted, face-to-face customer service.

WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas joined Simon Beaumont to heavily criticise the State Government's handling of the housing and health crises, calling for the empty Bullsbrook quarantine facility to be repurposed for homeless seniors. They also covered the need for local fuel reserves amidst price gouging and the systemic failures leading to a pregnant woman being turned away from a major hospital.