How did the Great Depression affect farmers and workers in Western Australia?

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on Western Australia, primarily due to the state's heavy reliance on wheat and wool exports. As global export prices plummeted, the economic consequences for farmers and workers were severe.1

Impact on Farmers

Many farmers were forced to abandon their land as they became trapped by the collapse in commodity prices. Those who remained faced extreme poverty while struggling to pay off debts incurred during previous years of expansion, such as investments in farm machinery. While some farmers managed to stay solvent through the introduction of cooperative bulk handling in 1932, many graziers relied on the labor of Aboriginal people to survive the economic downturn.1

Impact on Workers

The urban workforce suffered significantly, with unemployment rates in Perth reaching a peak of 30 percent by mid-1932. This high level of joblessness led to street demonstrations in the capital. Many unemployed workers sought sustenance by laboring on government-funded projects located in remote rural areas.1